tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90133855317254489602024-02-20T20:02:56.927-05:00Kickin' it Durham StyleThis is a little blog about my sweet life in Durham with my dogs Roxie and Jake and my cat LolaLauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-18208159907488718352009-03-09T21:32:00.006-04:002009-03-10T13:50:42.726-04:00Puppies!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9ol2v5s9jxXehorbCMxVGNvUGDKd13vmePlw4W1xM4W7zDjb2lfp1lGNnYQC_7NhlsBGLuRCbK852qJQIz0OcBCCnmsFK9NjoPkLwi0Dy4AaOTpgwbOcy-HHkeLS8Dj2aC3T-G4cfd0h/s1600-h/IMG_0807.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9ol2v5s9jxXehorbCMxVGNvUGDKd13vmePlw4W1xM4W7zDjb2lfp1lGNnYQC_7NhlsBGLuRCbK852qJQIz0OcBCCnmsFK9NjoPkLwi0Dy4AaOTpgwbOcy-HHkeLS8Dj2aC3T-G4cfd0h/s200/IMG_0807.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311366243656293586" /></a><script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>For the past month I have been fostering two puppies for <a href="http://www.gsdrescue.org/">German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption</a>. From the very beginning, I told the folks at GSRA to send me the old cooter dogs, as I am just not into chasing puppies or young dogs around. That is how I ended up with Roxie and Jake...both 10 years old.<script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5540993-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script><div><br /></div><div>Well--the rescue became a little desperate, and because 2009 is my year of 'YES' I decided to take them in for a bit. They have been EXHAUSTING, but Ruby (the dark one) and Hazel (the light one) are just so full of love--and they think I am awesome to boot :)</div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 146px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSNiwjUoxotWbBmEqCtpIT8vf-yvGXxPO9Pu-iUt7vxj2y19Fm8SgY-smsvzLt2wEk4lLRoKwg9-9bbGSL1SgnwBlPiG_rg6I9ePVqsnH7tocB448pNd15EsLiovc9LFzE6PVzK2JhP0S/s200/IMG_0808.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311367050689291026" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Roxie really has taken to the little girls. She mothers them a bit--it is too cute. Jake is terrified, and runs away every time one of them bites at his tail---I think he just doesn't know what to do with them. I will say goodbye to these guys in 2 weeks. Although I will be a little excited to have my life back, I'm going to miss these two little poopers!</div><div><br /></div><div>BTW: they have been names for my two grandmothers: Ruby McLean and Hazel Anderson</div><div><br /></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-75281356413555006852009-01-17T16:10:00.008-05:002009-01-17T21:03:39.347-05:00Southern Style Dinner Party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_EasPix5hU5LeEBrxMojy7-2QsNldtbSDF9j74r_Zypx3sxfH_GmiYkgg_JwS4ThMryWtSJvFqXpj49DrDphstJXH_Apwq1gSrDsTldO3-tZxmqCi307e_3GyWNiHyFER4TzwelU3t9j/s1600-h/n1002542938_30267163_3744.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_EasPix5hU5LeEBrxMojy7-2QsNldtbSDF9j74r_Zypx3sxfH_GmiYkgg_JwS4ThMryWtSJvFqXpj49DrDphstJXH_Apwq1gSrDsTldO3-tZxmqCi307e_3GyWNiHyFER4TzwelU3t9j/s200/n1002542938_30267163_3744.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292445784224563058" /></a>Last Saturday night January 10th I had the largest dinner party to date at Chez Laurie--31 folks! The theme was 'Southern Style' and my sweet mom and I spent two solid days cooking up a storm. Here was the menu:<div>fried chicken, collard greens, black-eyed peas, butter beans, corn muffins, potato salad, biscuits, corn pudding, mac and cheese and barbeque!<br /><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNu_E3O0kYmVYGNP-AtoUoLwvMdTFk0d6YdWlzeXXHvuIeeUIZxD-NAJPkybSZybloo3Irr1W1GViN9VD5yQpCkLNbzK3RNhWWr2D-8vKp_gXJuTL-R0jA8A4TO45FcvtMMJq1XER1j4DX/s200/n625507140_1158599_7449.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292445947779766642" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This was one of the best parties I have ever had--I had a blast! I think this was because all the cooking was done beforehand, so I was able to relax, drink wine and really enjoy myself. All the food went off without a hitch, and everyone really seemed to have a good time.</div><div><br /></div><div>See picture link on the right!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-43883832296335444032008-12-20T18:40:00.003-05:002008-12-20T18:46:45.657-05:00My New Art<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3kR1Fg6TK1GASAsHzO5mrJ_iQlHmjnMDDdNBehdKXyAlTd8RwqIzIjb5wAaf03bBvoPb_reCYLLOxzAbGt_e6ywXDKtMxLK7VipW8pqvVFSAxL6lirXZf-PJpdd_vUqrHBT0KHI7eg0P/s1600-h/IMG_0672.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3kR1Fg6TK1GASAsHzO5mrJ_iQlHmjnMDDdNBehdKXyAlTd8RwqIzIjb5wAaf03bBvoPb_reCYLLOxzAbGt_e6ywXDKtMxLK7VipW8pqvVFSAxL6lirXZf-PJpdd_vUqrHBT0KHI7eg0P/s200/IMG_0672.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282021536206831378" /></a>While on my recent trip to Prague I was wandering around the city with my friend, Sherry. We stumbled upon an open market where we came across the art of a man named Tigran Sukiasjan. We both fell in love with his work, and I picked up these three pieces as well and a piece for my friend, Lisa. Now they are hanging on my living room wall, and I love them. My conservative, Christian mother says 'well you sure are obsessed with butts!'.<div>I do have a thing for nudes, and have many around my home. I can't help it.<br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5540993-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-26355624292295673042008-12-20T18:27:00.005-05:002008-12-20T18:47:17.720-05:00The Holidays, Chez Laurie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHvkCwDM8x1JbGCvKFCJdg5otCRqudYeNrh2cX6-ad01XiC2O6kpw0qEt-3dB1LWeim_-dso0HIXt4kWMOGNW3TlFoI9R-DrJQOGyuJb1C_dNP0GCiqEGnIske745VwYRz4qBLlVw_OxW/s1600-h/IMG_0666.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHvkCwDM8x1JbGCvKFCJdg5otCRqudYeNrh2cX6-ad01XiC2O6kpw0qEt-3dB1LWeim_-dso0HIXt4kWMOGNW3TlFoI9R-DrJQOGyuJb1C_dNP0GCiqEGnIske745VwYRz4qBLlVw_OxW/s200/IMG_0666.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282018293130986738" /></a><script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>I am working in the hospital straight through Christmas, so I had my mom and dad over for a holiday dinner tonight! Here they are pictured by my little Christmas tree.<script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5540993-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script><div>For dinner I made roasted chicken, truffle mushrooms and asiago polenta--it turned out great and was a real hit! For dessert I had homemade pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream--yum! We sat around my table and talked about my crazy aunt Gerry. Seriously, she is crazy.</div><div>My dad has alzheimer's disease, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for him to leave the house--he gets quite confused, and I think a little scared when</div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VqAK89uJEb2zAQaux38AC2FJUdXb9p4dJL9RN7xrPo0JBaiJ1HtUgTFjtWton5Yb2pWSXbE4L33Fss1WgCFZCveioHpc7je8NBE-VKDS5gbCXp7qDN5x1O7CPaQhArk3pu95Bwcw0NMh/s200/IMG_0668.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282020434701602114" /> he is not in a familiar environment. He did pretty good, though. Towards the end he started talking about how he wanted to get home to see the Lawrence Welk Show, and I felt like he was itching to be back at home where he feels safe.<div>To the right is a picture of them with their min-pin, Lily-bit. Lily-bit is the fattest min-pin you will ever know. My mom tries to put her on a diet, but my dad keeps feeding her bacon.</div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-89531256763115665552008-12-04T20:34:00.016-05:002008-12-15T21:10:24.191-05:00Prague--a magical place<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzNjtnyWN79zMZMP_ArB-ahLs5KzBff1-APzG8tpJ1FRCL375HEIGZea02FT0moxCxYGusQrh8rqY_dZeCYUHW0uUf3C5zsi2ydyjmFO68BMrlD-AXhOSmLcJAPU1vRdP99EINEByWxyw/s1600-h/IMG_0145.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276874745527523250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzNjtnyWN79zMZMP_ArB-ahLs5KzBff1-APzG8tpJ1FRCL375HEIGZea02FT0moxCxYGusQrh8rqY_dZeCYUHW0uUf3C5zsi2ydyjmFO68BMrlD-AXhOSmLcJAPU1vRdP99EINEByWxyw/s200/IMG_0145.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well, I just spent a wonderful week in Prague, Czech Republic. My good friends Shane and Barbara decided to get hitched, and do it up in style! Friends and family descended on this beautiful European city for a week of eating, drinking and debauchery. I made wonderful new friends, spent time with dear old friends, and generally got my Prague on. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276136234825961122" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9LVwuhCDWsxV7s3t7PlnSQHda6cXltSwdFyDGPm6WckLHB3Q1rNvjlxf0yl9vKlIWtZzaAcE9jyyywarct0GL77BFJ4pKFrJbYIO8nXOeRF8MA8wJHgqYejQ5Ooz5xx7-KZ2VgY1Xil_/s200/web.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>The architecture in Prague is stunning. Most of the historic buildings are still true to original form, being spared during WWII. Styles include Art Nouveau, Baroque, Renaissance, Cubist, Gothic, Neo-Classical and ultra-modern.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnUls8F-QKOgG39CB_Zk7eprxlyruMhRwOW17i4Qtr4mwf1lt0dNfqacdPm_twv9jAt6QPQOqettc5obs70g3796UsWPCYx7qq68qf30mnDscNfzcKzHA22pRzvHbk9Cnzbw8EPvl2_V3/s1600-h/IMG_0088.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276140740905386210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnUls8F-QKOgG39CB_Zk7eprxlyruMhRwOW17i4Qtr4mwf1lt0dNfqacdPm_twv9jAt6QPQOqettc5obs70g3796UsWPCYx7qq68qf30mnDscNfzcKzHA22pRzvHbk9Cnzbw8EPvl2_V3/s200/IMG_0088.jpg" border="0" /></a>My friend, Sherry, and I arrive in Prague on Tuesday November 25 around noon to our hotel, U Stare Pani. This spot was located on an old cobblestone street very near the famous Old Towne Square. We were fortunate enough to arrive a day prior to most of the other guests, so we were able to </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276149139394275986" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgPvHdF-HqogQwbnc8cYQ7qHaH1VYpvqQkytT2C3JRveaa23eRjBPXk6SI_QI9RmbrT3Mph3jQoV3ijCIHGAoZvR726bkCpr1llbfpYARXPsfb1fFZStmaNUHnawdbOKRbL7i-Xf5PDyq/s200/web.jpg" border="0" /> <div>enjoy an evening out with Shane and Barbara, wandering around the city and drinking beer. </div><div>On Wednesday November 26 I celebrated my 38th birthday! Pictured here is me with my friend Sherry at the Palffy Palace Restaurant. This place came recommended to me by my dear friend, Tina...and was amazing. Sherry, Farley, Joe, Tim and I wined and dined in this 4 star restaurant sitting at the foot of the Prague Palace. It was truly one of the best birthday celebrations I have ever had.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYxLrpX5o7sjBZeJk6uuKbH8h68XKkhOSNvS2tq-Xcq6pyU0qTrQrh3Z8OeupPgOhnhpysgcSGD1u0Amr2lpwfliQ-wkYAMKquSB-CNUZJz4WCBlkEYJriou3Nl5EracQhgAdWsIR_uOm/s1600-h/IMG_0167.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276146697353668978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYxLrpX5o7sjBZeJk6uuKbH8h68XKkhOSNvS2tq-Xcq6pyU0qTrQrh3Z8OeupPgOhnhpysgcSGD1u0Amr2lpwfliQ-wkYAMKquSB-CNUZJz4WCBlkEYJriou3Nl5EracQhgAdWsIR_uOm/s200/IMG_0167.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>Thursday November 27 was Thanksgiving Day, and after a day of touring around and having the best Thai massage of my life we had a lovely Thanksgiving dinner Czech style with the whole wedding gang at U Zlate Convice. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276148353927267650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOQ1OAOdFZfy1-JlObQaZ7STEK0STdA_H1hi_KhaumeaPzPxTfV8_PFgVAnMXN8dNkXJ65AUTP0WjSQ_LWWyJszK72dwHCRURgR1AI7j2gsJYq00h_c9Jkk7BlIoIUV2-qR65U4b4x8pG/s200/3089-original-sop_budova_04.jpg" border="0" /> <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); TEXT-DECORATION: underline"><br /></span></div><div>After dinner, some of us headed on over to the Prague State Opera House for 'Carmen'. Though I discovered that opera is not really my cup of tea, it was worth the trip to see the amazing opera house. I was mezmorized by the detail and beauty of this place.</div><div>Friday and Saturday were wedding festivities and more touring around Prague---see link to pictures to the right!</div><div><br /></div><div></div></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-7928063577977936152008-11-20T21:04:00.004-05:002008-12-05T20:20:03.772-05:00Ashtanga yoga keeps me sane...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrPXcom2e7VSSvo95KbUrrMJ63nVhFv_cjyRsno3MbdtFpkHRwaBpikO172Q63CNJMrjciYC4a2PWXqBUHq7Rp7czy90E0Hj-TMKwpChppvA9aI3WlHdBPnRIapUwvoH34RutKJTZj_cF/s1600-h/peter.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270927392263102514" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 157px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrPXcom2e7VSSvo95KbUrrMJ63nVhFv_cjyRsno3MbdtFpkHRwaBpikO172Q63CNJMrjciYC4a2PWXqBUHq7Rp7czy90E0Hj-TMKwpChppvA9aI3WlHdBPnRIapUwvoH34RutKJTZj_cF/s200/peter.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />In early 2008 I started to dabble in yoga. I stared with basic Hatha classes a couple of times a week. I instantly enjoyed the stretching and calm atmosphere, but I found that I really wanted to be challenged---I wanted to get a big fat workout everytime I practiced yoga. Someone suggested Asthanga yoga and I decided to give it a shot.<br /><br />IT KICKED MY ASS. 15 minutes into the first session I was a sweaty pool of humility laying prostrate on the floor. I was attempting to move my body into positions that seemed obscene and unnatural--and I was hooked. By May I had committed to practicing 3 times a week for 1.25-1.5 hours at a time. By fall I had increased to 4-5 sessions a week.<br /><br />The thing about yoga is that for most people it is a long and gradual learning curve---it truly takes years to become an accomplished yogi. For example, if you want to run a marathon you could start training 6 months beforehand and be ready to run--not the case with yoga. I think each running month is like a yoga year.<br /><br />So, I started practicing a style of Ashtanga called Mysore--this is kind of a supervised self practice where all levels practice together and everyone moves at their own pace. This has been a great way for me to learn as I practice beside folks who have been studying for many years. I also made a little yoga room in my house so that I can practice at home.<br /><br />Besides feeling fit and strong I have really noticed how much yoga has impacted my psyche. Life has thrown me a couple of curve balls this fall, and I truly believe that it has been the confidence and centeredness I have developed with yoga that has allowed me to bounce back quickly and calmly. I am more present, aware and at peace.<br /><br />Namaste<br /><br />And yes...that is my new yoga boyfriend, Peter.<br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br /><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5540993-1");<br /><br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /><br /></script>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-33255891553994403772008-11-16T21:04:00.002-05:002008-11-16T21:09:01.422-05:00Uninspired blogging...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8r3OjSRAdhFlUcqzdVthiE4fDM9L0hv2kOH1TeMjXNuRfUY4nLE_VwvdEEY4UyHzrFYGuRfhuS1D05WF7uK9TuePgbuRSf_W-g9fmCSKQtrD9V5OPDotUCAqQ2oVOyORsZNYqT53eqNCG/s1600-h/Prague+3+030.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8r3OjSRAdhFlUcqzdVthiE4fDM9L0hv2kOH1TeMjXNuRfUY4nLE_VwvdEEY4UyHzrFYGuRfhuS1D05WF7uK9TuePgbuRSf_W-g9fmCSKQtrD9V5OPDotUCAqQ2oVOyORsZNYqT53eqNCG/s200/Prague+3+030.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269441659573198962" /></a><br /><div>Well, I haven't been inspired to blog lately...but I can feel myself breaking through the bloggers block. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next Monday I leave for 7 days in Prague. I am going for the wedding of two good friends, and will be traveling with a close knit group of folks. My excitement is growing, and know I will return with plenty of pictures and stories to write and share...so stay tuned!<br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5540993-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script><div><br /></div></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-86885076851839446552008-10-20T18:39:00.002-04:002008-10-23T14:44:25.533-04:00Happy Birthday, Stacy!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfDd3UhtJ3khs1X54hETERynabcnU3vK7VbMZgwoGh5BwtZKyGI2cgqrIbdMnADvkicJcGzzVZUa5TPnIdIXZSBWTVxvW6ON9J7NcwxZms8MiAZtn7Cgt3CqSpCPDj4D56c2PzNq5Qv9m/s1600-h/n671155235_1751439_6149.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfDd3UhtJ3khs1X54hETERynabcnU3vK7VbMZgwoGh5BwtZKyGI2cgqrIbdMnADvkicJcGzzVZUa5TPnIdIXZSBWTVxvW6ON9J7NcwxZms8MiAZtn7Cgt3CqSpCPDj4D56c2PzNq5Qv9m/s200/n671155235_1751439_6149.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259370044700057010" /></a>This is my awesome friend, Stacy---she turns one year closer to 40 today :) Stacy is married to Ryan and is a school teacher in Washington. She has two daughters, Riley (see pic) and Erin.<div><br /></div><div>I met Stacy in 1995 in Big Sky, Montana. We worked together at the <a href="http://www.320ranch.com/">320 Guest Ranch</a> in Gallatin Canyon. That was the same year we got to know our hot and famous friend <a href="http://www.jobdig.com/articles/609/I_am_the_Stunt_Double_for_Matthew_McConaughey.html">Mark Norby</a> who is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_McConaughey">Matthew McConaughey's</a> stunt double and buddy. We spent most evenings at the Half Moon Saloon drinking and carousing. Sometimes we had to work the breakfast shift at the Ranch. One night Stacy drank so much that she spent our shift the next morning puking in the bathroom, and I had to work all by myself. Thanks, Stacy!</div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0buUsq57qBBG-AEgLzr0iKvEYUHs-e3vyDqBBJ7JQys4t4mBF6LGXYu2vNnI8aAyBSOqOsiblatjrRXLNfrWSLyjOch3YFguaCCG8PzV6521LqTNctO8mqNKyhcFdmc4bXLSh0Q8linKC/s200/selleca.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259376460057784930" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Stacy's grandmother always told her that she looks like Connie Selleca, and it is pretty much true--just check out this picture!</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy birthday, Stacy :)</div><div><br /></div><div><script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5540993-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-42624198334411090952008-10-20T18:37:00.002-04:002008-10-26T20:21:51.349-04:00My girl, AngelaThis is my beautiful friend Angela and her daughter,<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8dFuyKecrgq0BV1MUngJGh4W-jjDjkhJ_P1qsvcMjw9lTDMQEwCAkWokkkDrWPiWLYEBciaeIL7FiBfFkfSHUpBeJl6w4E5LrK78XA1N1YTYbYzav3TQRotjmR-1b9dqz_UWrrRwC7Yw/s1600-h/n1079468949_30111160_8448.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259369191170574018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8dFuyKecrgq0BV1MUngJGh4W-jjDjkhJ_P1qsvcMjw9lTDMQEwCAkWokkkDrWPiWLYEBciaeIL7FiBfFkfSHUpBeJl6w4E5LrK78XA1N1YTYbYzav3TQRotjmR-1b9dqz_UWrrRwC7Yw/s200/n1079468949_30111160_8448.jpg" border="0" /></a> Clare. Angela and her husband Bill live outside of Roanoke, VA with their children, Clare and Will. Angela and I met while working at The Riverwood Restaurant in Blowing Rock, NC in 1991. I was a waitress and Angela was a bartender/wine expert. Those are what I would call 'the good ole' days'.<br /><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259997222630127970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDfBqclDayj5w4KZijtDSloygDxnOgCGrTjFUH-raOhXK0y6hoGfeuUwxMJ3koQ9gKE0IgmzlLg_MXmDEi50kEQQqq1YgibIEDk-2r9fRhPpSS5tG0LzsNGa33DKGYmDIhgRc1k-zZq_Z/s200/highschoolprom_Page_3.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Angela and I have so many wonderful memories. This picture is from Halloween 1995 when we dressed up as midgets! Yes, indeed--we thought we were pretty crafty. Anytime I hang out with this girl my cheeks hurt from laughing--we have such a great time. On top of all that, Angela is one of the most non-judgmental people I have ever known, and a wonderful friend.</div><br /><div>Happy birthday, Ang!</div><div><br /></div><div></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-85657714766456084562008-10-18T19:50:00.000-04:002008-10-19T11:06:49.688-04:00Timbo turns 36!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GRCxPvHq7NWPoD5YOE3tiIuQVAgq7FwoumdtHfwrPh44hnqxibpbAh0v3Ydr2gbjILn90smXgr4lpf9a4alpCvRhBGPrj1QN3Lid5nOTs10jQMNa6sXmQtXwrd-jFsx1HypaJHcxRVsW/s1600-h/306624049_1043629344_0.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GRCxPvHq7NWPoD5YOE3tiIuQVAgq7FwoumdtHfwrPh44hnqxibpbAh0v3Ydr2gbjILn90smXgr4lpf9a4alpCvRhBGPrj1QN3Lid5nOTs10jQMNa6sXmQtXwrd-jFsx1HypaJHcxRVsW/s200/306624049_1043629344_0.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258645824325699282" /></a><div>This is my baby brother, Tim (and his cat, Stella). Tim lives in Brooklyn, NY with his boyfriend of 11 years, <a href="http://durhamstyle.blogspot.com/2008/09/happy-birthday-jimmy.html">Jimmy</a>. Really, Tim is one of the funniest people I have ever known, and has a heart of gold. He has a genuine and kind way that people fall in love with, and Tim makes lifelong friends everywhere he goes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Some of his passions include politics, Stella, music, <a href="http://seetimblog.blogspot.com/">his blog</a>, my mom's homemade mac and cheese (and lasagna, smothered chicken,</div><div> mississippi mud cake), travel and writing. His laugh is completely infectious--I just love it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tim had a tough childhood. He was a gay boy born in the south to conservative, religious parents. He was preceded by 2 brothers who were diehard athletes (football, baseball, basketball) so when he opted for violin, homemade puppets and singing it was confusing for everyone. On top of that, as a child Tim had his adenoids removed, had to have his sternum broken and reset because it was growing wrong</div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyKRY8fOswKUxUucCYWoa1dCKMLqHsaNb6oECVB-lPN17gNfiz-zvDf1IsvGfd5hhU6VvEAVoW7E0I4yqSlU-JGuxL9AVpqr7X971wVqSjI_SHkSptz3_pCtCt9S404irU0x6f5otrfwb/s200/n625507140_514680_3294.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258650746530585394" /><div> (WTF?!) and then became an insulin dependent diabetic at the age of 15. He was shy and awkward, but hit his stride in his late high school years when he embraced his uniqueness, and never looked back.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most recently I have been included in an email correspondence between Tim and my mom. My mom is trying desperately to evolve, but is still clinging to her right-winged conservative ways. Tim has made it his mission to educate and challenge my mom, and always does so with love, kindness and plenty of documentation. In his most recent email, he concluded by saying:</div><div>'Mom, you have always taught me to keep a teachable spirit. That's one piece of advice I always keep with me, and it is so important. Do not be lead by your fears, Mom. I love you. And I can't wait to see the Rockettes with you when you come up in December!'</div><div><br /></div><div>Really, just so freakin' cute. I can barely stand it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I love you, Tim--happy birthday!</div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-31082494044946654342008-09-27T12:41:00.000-04:002008-10-21T12:42:27.868-04:00Saturday Morning: Durham Farmer's Market<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxGqrvNff0vS2AOMgsFFYnnpBE5fszNbuT1M3cBzjL0_o93ioudZbGP1Jv9Y0kG6JpfcffwmivSg0lQtPgj_vMLaTMepPzIPF4L7GiD43_EnL0P44Ejho4_9zbo4Yc6Ty55a7J5R6zZ3Q/s1600-h/IMG_0603.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250775279577238402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxGqrvNff0vS2AOMgsFFYnnpBE5fszNbuT1M3cBzjL0_o93ioudZbGP1Jv9Y0kG6JpfcffwmivSg0lQtPgj_vMLaTMepPzIPF4L7GiD43_EnL0P44Ejho4_9zbo4Yc6Ty55a7J5R6zZ3Q/s200/IMG_0603.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script><br />Being Saturday, I slept in way too late. But not too late to miss my favorite weekend activity, the Durham Farmer's Market! I love to go people watch and support local</div><div> farmers and craft people. There is always someone playing music, DFM t-shirts for sale, and more local meats, veggies, flowers and baked goods than you could shake a stick at! It reminds me of the really wonderful things about the USA, the south and my community.</div><div><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5540993-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script><br /><div> </div><div>I normally buy a beautiful bouquet of flowers, but I arrived late and they<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-l19qf2rZrex0R6wDBEweE1ctE2LdkOACw9lT3AKH5ifFztDtfqRq6TgnSpq5o7GFhR86rASIU3ocBPHUX4aeTEWUQds0UEN6q7ScHZVgqGhmBt3-ozQPwinMcP74Ae288aRqB62HcwG/s1600-h/IMG_0597.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250743257126999074" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-l19qf2rZrex0R6wDBEweE1ctE2LdkOACw9lT3AKH5ifFztDtfqRq6TgnSpq5o7GFhR86rASIU3ocBPHUX4aeTEWUQds0UEN6q7ScHZVgqGhmBt3-ozQPwinMcP74Ae288aRqB62HcwG/s200/IMG_0597.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> were all picked over. I did buy some fresh eggs from Little Tree Farm, ate some homemade goat cheese, and munched on a chocolate chip muffin!</div></div></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-88705653271518828152008-09-27T12:10:00.001-04:002008-09-27T12:41:08.100-04:00Ani at the Durham Public Library<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqroTPqu1OF_9cNAF5_an7vaq9qwehtIDTQJ1stXrBVmxm14UKtM_fQN66whx04oM_MJbTmWo5m4X01JXHV9sThNuSw-j3SyYrO7gTWb6A5X4T7ZwLDMXu4zxsNdg7H1EFSopriNfYhBo/s1600-h/IMG_0596.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqroTPqu1OF_9cNAF5_an7vaq9qwehtIDTQJ1stXrBVmxm14UKtM_fQN66whx04oM_MJbTmWo5m4X01JXHV9sThNuSw-j3SyYrO7gTWb6A5X4T7ZwLDMXu4zxsNdg7H1EFSopriNfYhBo/s200/IMG_0596.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250741571127682930" /></a><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5540993-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script><div>I went to the Durham County Library this morning to pick up the next read for book club, Doris Lessing's The Golden Notebook. While checking out I saw this picture of Ani Difranco encouraging folks in Durham to read!</div><div><br /></div><div>Just another thing Ani and I have in common :)</div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-15851915223647098842008-09-24T13:29:00.000-04:002008-09-25T21:16:41.018-04:00Talk to Me Now: Ani Difranco<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Iti0RaVHDbWt6hFjpjDTyVcYZkKPyTX_iD2g9qukNiEhBPNKUp9Oe9yJpTz4OB6sZubbo-5rG0sIg82SEq9IC3YiqQe8QZiNgyTdroDmSy4GZFGk17DkINqFRMhcdk4yYn7evrJKfTFG/s1600-h/ani_difranco.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Iti0RaVHDbWt6hFjpjDTyVcYZkKPyTX_iD2g9qukNiEhBPNKUp9Oe9yJpTz4OB6sZubbo-5rG0sIg82SEq9IC3YiqQe8QZiNgyTdroDmSy4GZFGk17DkINqFRMhcdk4yYn7evrJKfTFG/s200/ani_difranco.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249655512034300290" /></a><br /><div>I have been a fan of Ani Difranco and her music for years. As a budding feminist and community activist in my twenties I found her (often angry) words to be refreshing and cathertic. She makes no apologies. I love it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today I was cleaning my house and I busted out the Ani playlist to keep me company. While singing along, I realized that her song '<a href="http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/anidifranco/talktomenow.html">Talk to Me Now</a>' was getting me thinking...</div><div><br /></div><div>The phrase I keep playing over in my head is this:<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I've played the powerless</div><div>in too many dark scenes</div><div>and I was blessed with a birth and a death</div><div>and I guess I just want some say in between</div><div>don't you understand </div><div>in the day to day </div><div>and the face to face</div><div>I have to act</div><div>just as strong as I can</div><div>just to preserve a place </div><div>where I can be who I am </div><div>so if you still know how</div><div>talk to me now</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks, Ani</div><div><br /></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-88172176555718530872008-09-21T21:13:00.000-04:002008-09-23T19:58:27.878-04:00My Buddy, Bennett!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDOAnGkyQkU1swrM43P04074hqi5gSpv6BcfeFF8fbnZ1z10vxeD-XiUwBZcm7jdwUYBzDOIdksfEVxIqD6wCTy5957Sg4_H7X_CZtpUrZqnP_Fd09AY4zYBpukEbG8pc9e92y_-zEurI/s1600-h/bennett.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248647848801492290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDOAnGkyQkU1swrM43P04074hqi5gSpv6BcfeFF8fbnZ1z10vxeD-XiUwBZcm7jdwUYBzDOIdksfEVxIqD6wCTy5957Sg4_H7X_CZtpUrZqnP_Fd09AY4zYBpukEbG8pc9e92y_-zEurI/s200/bennett.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is my very dear friend, Bennett.<br /><br />Bennett and I met in 1995 in Big Sky, Montana and became fast friends. When I shaved my head that summer, he was the only person I knew who actually like it (besides me)! One time Bennett and I drove across the US of A from Big Sky to Boone, North Carolina...and we didn't kill each other. He claims that I ruined his clutch on that trip. Whatever.<br /><br />Anyway--we are still quite close and are the last 2 standing member of 'The Golden Girls Club'. When we are old we plan on living in a big house together, eating cheese cake and gossiping. Like usual, he will be the floosie and I will be the rational one.<br /><br />Bennett is one of the most gentle souls. He is a brilliant writer and is funny as all get out.<br /><br />I love him dearly :)Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-27534078798509144662008-09-16T21:51:00.000-04:002008-09-16T22:43:21.870-04:00Bookclub: Chatting About The Poisonwood Bible<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRMwCF1-WTukMZQzBT4WjwsJUNd_hx9U5Rr43RQ2o6BE6t1cs0Rgto46o4rix-6dOMSd8gkGsRaTZsGJtmo8UVo8Lf6uBFwEdpLRjxZdjclpyAG5Hm6jKzs9yrPUpKPhA6G1DgR61O2xB/s1600-h/IMG_0590.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRMwCF1-WTukMZQzBT4WjwsJUNd_hx9U5Rr43RQ2o6BE6t1cs0Rgto46o4rix-6dOMSd8gkGsRaTZsGJtmo8UVo8Lf6uBFwEdpLRjxZdjclpyAG5Hm6jKzs9yrPUpKPhA6G1DgR61O2xB/s200/IMG_0590.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246802304337754786" /></a><br /><div>When I first moved back to Durham in April, 2006 I decided to start a <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/read_and_chat/">book club</a>, something I have always wanted to do. I posted an add on Craig's List, and ended up with 12 of the coolest women I have ever met!</div><div><br /></div><div>We meet once a month to drink wine, eat good food and discuss our book of choice. Tonight Lisa, Aura, Julie, Sherry, Colleen, Lindsey and Sara gathered at my house to chat about Barbara Kingsolver's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Poisonwood_Bible">The Poisonwood Bible</a>. It doesn't happen very often that we agree, but we actually all loved this book, and it made for an energetic, heated and well rounded discussion. </div><div><br /></div><div>Other books our bookclub has read:</div><div>Mating by Norman Rush</div><div>The Last Girls by Lee Smith</div><div>The Memory of Running by Ron McLarty</div><div>Independence Day by Richard Ford</div><div>Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole</div><div>Gilead by Marilynne Robinson</div><div>Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro</div><div>A Thousand Pieces of Gold by Ruthann McCunn</div><div>Middlesex by Jefferey Eugenides</div><div>Blindness by Jose Saramago</div><div>Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon</div><div>Seeing by Jose Saramago</div><div>Brick Lane by Monica Ali</div><div>The Human Stain by Phillip Roth</div><div>A Thread of Grace by Maria Doria Russell</div><div>The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards</div><div>Catch-22 by Joseph Heller</div><div>The Pearl by John Steinbeck</div><div>Life of Pi by Yann Martel</div><div>She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb</div><div>A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J Gaines</div><div>Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen</div><div>The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon</div><div>Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys</div><div><br /></div><div>My favorite was Blindness---LOVED IT</div><div><br /></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-64657225903130163652008-09-15T18:42:00.000-04:002008-09-15T18:55:45.791-04:00My Scooter, Peetie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipQszHsZ0mQE2q2l_KKn5agakEB6kYQFOahZ8fNi7RWm5vq857Bb_7TG2LYK1TTQbwTEjt9nlQ5EtC6EBHqKpqHAlh2dNpZGxAP8FQRyxDZutiR-TV3DNZI5k4GrjD5HJ3i30wN3DqUK1/s1600-h/IMG_0589.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipQszHsZ0mQE2q2l_KKn5agakEB6kYQFOahZ8fNi7RWm5vq857Bb_7TG2LYK1TTQbwTEjt9nlQ5EtC6EBHqKpqHAlh2dNpZGxAP8FQRyxDZutiR-TV3DNZI5k4GrjD5HJ3i30wN3DqUK1/s200/IMG_0589.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246382620313145762" /></a><br />Here I am (with my vogs) on the way to work! His name's Peetie, and he gets me to and from Duke University Medical Center safely and efficiently everyday. <script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5540993-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes I see people laughing.</div><div><br /></div><div>The jokes on them---$4.50 in gas lasts me 3 weeks!</div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-17299108475602771912008-09-14T14:30:00.000-04:002008-09-14T20:16:10.397-04:00Friends and Food--Dinner Party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMr32HR3uw-6fgiwPxU4e3j_ApFATaWl2FSbc6D4xTVOT32jr4iR3JqzSkxGzVCG-EquzVbZEwcqUowT8t-dm7YtMFxCj34QNGYrEBqioYMAB4P_-l1zGnwJ-n4TWtE983cksq_gtggW_x/s1600-h/IMG_0580.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMr32HR3uw-6fgiwPxU4e3j_ApFATaWl2FSbc6D4xTVOT32jr4iR3JqzSkxGzVCG-EquzVbZEwcqUowT8t-dm7YtMFxCj34QNGYrEBqioYMAB4P_-l1zGnwJ-n4TWtE983cksq_gtggW_x/s200/IMG_0580.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245946567842870498" /></a><br /><div>WOW--what a great night! The food was amazing, and the atmosphere was relaxed and fun. Everything went off without a hitch and folks stayed well into the evening chatting, drinking and laughing.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm exhausted today--but it was worth it!</div><div><div><br /></div><div>See link for pictures :)<br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5540993-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script><div><br /></div></div></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-72513766343694019062008-09-13T16:49:00.000-04:002008-09-28T16:27:06.580-04:00Prelude to dinner party....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBpmy8pk5_rT39jmiz3bxo1Hv0k8IQnu4FIXsqPRuWuSjgGrLyxqa5pW0boFFhbOtdOnB6nhUx8-76j9cgfViZgw72d5jVC2AKGU9CnV5Z00VYHPM5o4_Rf5As70fH8owfdyxElvdx3Lj/s1600-h/IMG_0573.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBpmy8pk5_rT39jmiz3bxo1Hv0k8IQnu4FIXsqPRuWuSjgGrLyxqa5pW0boFFhbOtdOnB6nhUx8-76j9cgfViZgw72d5jVC2AKGU9CnV5Z00VYHPM5o4_Rf5As70fH8owfdyxElvdx3Lj/s200/IMG_0573.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245617699394966146" /></a><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5540993-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script><div>Tonight Simeon and I are hosting a little party of around 30 of our good friends. Fortunately, I am not doing the cooking, Simeon and Freddy are taking care of all the food, and here is our menu:</div><div><br /></div><div>Potato and celery root empanadas</div><div>Crudite</div><div>Antipasto</div><div>Shrimp and cucumbers with remoulade</div><div>Herbed and goat cheese crostini</div><div>Hummus</div><div><br /></div><div>Rosemary and lemon chicken</div><div>Pork loin</div><div>Pasta bar with sauces</div><div><br /></div><div>Mashed sweet potatoes with jalapenos and brown sugar</div><div>Glazed carrots and parsnips</div><div>Cornbread</div><div>Mixed green salad</div><div><br /></div><div>Banana pudding</div><div>Chocolate decadent cake</div><div><br /></div><div>DAMN! pics and details to follow....</div><div><br /></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-1918180728952320082008-09-11T17:21:00.000-04:002008-09-13T09:52:39.561-04:00Keepin' the Faith!<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A0VOesN9s_NxspPCTH3xXSvd7Es0Wrqd5__69oDmJc9JwoBPNlp7oatZgbYK-iCR0g3OgWQbO3_QqFZeUyI74Pxt8Vz_FfcVIOlvZyf5de67RccV5qxCXA5DRpHMPyDrggSsQeRhcTVX/s1600-h/n625507140_741633_9662.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A0VOesN9s_NxspPCTH3xXSvd7Es0Wrqd5__69oDmJc9JwoBPNlp7oatZgbYK-iCR0g3OgWQbO3_QqFZeUyI74Pxt8Vz_FfcVIOlvZyf5de67RccV5qxCXA5DRpHMPyDrggSsQeRhcTVX/s200/n625507140_741633_9662.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244877421420164610" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5nuaTlHLBMN5blZ2bJ0CPvuID-EDVY_7RjsUorMAlubbrvTIBGxOPI4pkgARL3IZmLWpE_wT1yXiEl_8fgK1wOKOR2WFod0GLVCcYOqkZTLqi8r7_DcjavW3Bc2ApXoa-NMxV4Ri6muq/s1600-h/n625507140_741633_9662.jpg"><br /></a><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5540993-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-70609852570472182162008-09-08T15:05:00.000-04:002008-09-13T16:49:26.970-04:00Crumpet the spider<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybciqZgmgbL34FZoqgTo8ErdHike-SF1jzbq7e3zSg72PsUXW77P7YCterZNMSLalZsQ4DFDMNwltc_-CABu62JevrKCkLO88puqbl-mRGWM_0rqpd2fBzK4_UTvd0arbVzS5hW5VX3Sk/s1600-h/IMG_0570.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybciqZgmgbL34FZoqgTo8ErdHike-SF1jzbq7e3zSg72PsUXW77P7YCterZNMSLalZsQ4DFDMNwltc_-CABu62JevrKCkLO88puqbl-mRGWM_0rqpd2fBzK4_UTvd0arbVzS5hW5VX3Sk/s200/IMG_0570.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245610879471412802" /></a><br />This is Crumpet. He is a very large spider who has set up his home on my front porch. He is about the size of a silver dollar, and I am fascinated by his habits. He only comes out at night, and he generally must rebuild his web every evening. <div><br /></div><div>If I get too close then he scampers up to the top of his web and seems to play dead--it is so cute!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway--I have grown kind of attached to him, and hope he sticks around</div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-20357647628376350042008-09-07T22:41:00.000-04:002008-09-11T17:33:10.519-04:00It's a done deal!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXFfEK57pvI7F5-fxMRVCI92Q7bB-5duPOvOfQs4Dte2JFXCGf_b1z0zV-59au-xSaKD__Yqs1v2Xvrte_uhFq3V9szKMFjVjeEekDsm7XV4cDSEH_XUmTwrvVepCZZnnTJYmLf2LZUqc/s1600-h/IMG_0548.JPG"><span><span></span></span><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXFfEK57pvI7F5-fxMRVCI92Q7bB-5duPOvOfQs4Dte2JFXCGf_b1z0zV-59au-xSaKD__Yqs1v2Xvrte_uhFq3V9szKMFjVjeEekDsm7XV4cDSEH_XUmTwrvVepCZZnnTJYmLf2LZUqc/s200/IMG_0548.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243477392456919346" /></a><div><div><br /></div><div><script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>Lowanna and Chip were married this weekend. I have to say, this was one of the most perfect weddings ever! I loved that it was very simple. There was no fanfare, just friends gathered around a sweet ceremony.<div><br /></div><div>The event was held at Lowanna and Chip's beautiful home. Plenty of great food, music, drink and good cheer!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have know this girl forever--we have so many hilarious stories. We traveled together in Central America (where we should have died at least 10 times), all over the northwest USA and several trips to NYC. We were also roommates in Big Sky, Montana back when we were ski bums. Lowanna has always been unconditionally happy with reckless abandon--a quality I envy and admire :)</div><div><script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5540993-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-23313231013201805732008-09-07T22:33:00.000-04:002008-09-08T12:47:22.142-04:00I hate to gloat, but...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUcErQECFP6ekYVUMMrH62DtcrdawLYyeelAi6ohwfodW2T4oZkUBNeJFrbxmUakq0dWig039jbljbw-I8FXp6N8zeM5SuNtEnIF7dXwoDZCMNy80yFCqObQT9GQ_nsbgX8GqOQa2VEf5/s1600-h/IMG_0524.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUcErQECFP6ekYVUMMrH62DtcrdawLYyeelAi6ohwfodW2T4oZkUBNeJFrbxmUakq0dWig039jbljbw-I8FXp6N8zeM5SuNtEnIF7dXwoDZCMNy80yFCqObQT9GQ_nsbgX8GqOQa2VEf5/s200/IMG_0524.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243473572784337442" /></a><div><br /></div><div><script type="text/javascript"><br />var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");<br />document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));<br /></script>Simeon and I went on up to Madison, WI for Lowanna's wedding. We had a great time, the wedding was beautiful, and I won the bet! <script type="text/javascript"><br />var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-5540993-1");<br />pageTracker._trackPageview();<br /></script><div><br /></div><div>Our bet was about the song <a href="http://www.lyricsfreak.com/s/steve+miller/jungle+love_20131007.html">Jungle Love</a> by Steve Miller. I believed the lyrics are 'You treat me like I was your ocean; you swim in my blood when it's warm'---and Simeon said that I must be high.</div><div><br /></div><div>I won. I never win.</div><div><br /></div><div>I love this picture of Simeon--damn!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-54504566074245395982008-09-04T23:46:00.001-04:002008-09-05T20:16:47.898-04:00Lowanna is getting hitched!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqB5i69uFuQNumg7WfFQYH4J8iMia-ehsOe2sZJS6CTla5rcbJg_N6ZfuS-CXRYi-IGytCgYe5z2UZSu5yFh4uGbBBuGI1ePfAWy9LRODVspexpwcM2-V_WJckbyZvUjF40FMSCHv88Hi/s1600-h/IMG_0116.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqB5i69uFuQNumg7WfFQYH4J8iMia-ehsOe2sZJS6CTla5rcbJg_N6ZfuS-CXRYi-IGytCgYe5z2UZSu5yFh4uGbBBuGI1ePfAWy9LRODVspexpwcM2-V_WJckbyZvUjF40FMSCHv88Hi/s200/IMG_0116.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242378987396776898" /></a><div><br /><div>This is my old and dear friend Lowanna. She and I met in 1992 when we were both working at <a href="http://www.theredonioncafe.com/">The Red Onion Cafe </a>in Boone, NC while attending Appalachian State University. Back in the day, Lowanna swore to never get married and have kids :)</div><div><br /><div>This weekend Simeon and I are traveling to Madison, WI to help her celebrate her marriage to Chip! Not only that, but she is now stepmom to his two young sons. She is as happy as I have ever known her to be, and I can't wait to be a part of this celebration...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-78253008737723622882008-09-03T22:45:00.000-04:002008-09-04T23:35:32.545-04:00The Vog Blog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBFqu6LVGBR4sLcRW3OjyFsgwsCSdGoX8_fKeNhVMnSILGfxK6gJ8z4M5mRNzyChm0EyXOi99tM54JYkA4dLxsU7m4k3HHTot_SOnmHd2OiGjSXbTCp9-4Z_02wBgcyZr6wqPwmdypzGk/s1600-h/IMG_0502.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBFqu6LVGBR4sLcRW3OjyFsgwsCSdGoX8_fKeNhVMnSILGfxK6gJ8z4M5mRNzyChm0EyXOi99tM54JYkA4dLxsU7m4k3HHTot_SOnmHd2OiGjSXbTCp9-4Z_02wBgcyZr6wqPwmdypzGk/s200/IMG_0502.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242018719112818178" /></a><br /><div>To put it mildly, I am obsessed with <a href="http://www.fluevog.com/">John Fluevog</a> shoes. I discovered them when I was living in San Francisco from 2003-2006. I lived in the Haight-Ashbury district, and everyday when I walked to work I would walk by the Fluevog store on the corner of Haight and Cole. I would covet the delicious shoes in the window, and as soon as I started making a salary I started buying.</div><div>Now I go visit my brother in NYC for my Fluevog fix. In 2007 I put myself on Fluevog probation--it was a very depressing year. I will never do that again.</div><div>I got the whole gang together for a group pic :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013385531725448960.post-35837578716929014172008-09-03T04:51:00.000-04:002008-09-04T23:35:16.681-04:00Happy Birthday Jimmy!-<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0WnlAE_pI9G66ggyO9VvyzPrqiE1Yk2dPegGpw2XgtRHEa2LCMVLI1Jftw_MVWUfUyYBNyN6-d5015mLqiT8q0L5Q0SAXM1M3jbwdEW9JRtKqs3sFegLs-ymNXhEUH1afs4n3cz4puuG/s1600-h/jimmy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241973420098367026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0WnlAE_pI9G66ggyO9VvyzPrqiE1Yk2dPegGpw2XgtRHEa2LCMVLI1Jftw_MVWUfUyYBNyN6-d5015mLqiT8q0L5Q0SAXM1M3jbwdEW9JRtKqs3sFegLs-ymNXhEUH1afs4n3cz4puuG/s200/jimmy.jpg" border="0" /></a>I have 3 brothers, and the youngest one is Tim. He lives in Brooklyn, NY with his main squeeze of ten years--Jimmy!<br /><br />Jimmy is a wonderful artist. To see some of his work you can either come to my house of go <a href="http://www.myartspace.com/JamesMcdonough/">here</a>. Jimmy is also a really good sport, as he is always the unwitting straight man for Tim's online rants and raves as evidenced <a href="http://seetimblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/thinking-thoughts-jimmy-and-tim-briefly.html">here</a>.<br /><br />Anyway--Saturday September 6th is Jimmy's birthday--cheers!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665622569589088964noreply@blogger.com1