Meet Laverne

Actually, you'll be meeting Laverne again. You see, once upon a time, in the fairyland known as Abby Gabs, Laverne attended a very special Princess Party with me. Let me refresh your memory. This is Princess Laverne:

Isn't she lovely?

I know, I know...it's hard to really see her surrounded by all the ruffles and frills. So here's a shot of Laverne "in real life."

Again, I say...isn't she lovely?

I met Laverne through the magic of the internet. She is co-author of the always charming Kindred Adventures with her best friend, Shirley. It all started as comment love, and quickly blossomed into a full-blown Twitter friendship. Laverne is one of those special people I've met since I started blogging who takes kindness to another level. She's always willing to jump in with both feet when it comes to supporting bloggers she loves, and she's been a devoted reader of Abby Gabs since we first met.


When I say she's one of the nicest people on the entire internet, I do not exaggerate.


In the not-too-distant past, Laverne reached out to me on Twitter, letting me know she was taking the plunge and creating a blog all her own. By writing under a pen name, Laverne has found her voice, and she's eager to finally share it with the world. And so, I'm pleased as punch to introduce you to akaLaverne--a blog that, I think, could take the world by storm.

Just visit her at www.akaLaverne.com!

Let's break it down here for a second. I've read a lot of blogs. I've also written my fair share of blogs. Most "first posts" are all about the author. What I mean is that more often than not, that first post is all about the introduction. Just read my first post. Often, you'll learn their name, their style, their likes and dislikes. Occasionally, you'll learn a little about their life. Those first few words published by a shiny new author can tell you a lot about the person behind the keyboard. 


That's what makes Laverne's first post so special. Because what you learn about her isn't her real name, or that her favorite color is aqua, or that she's a tiny bit obsessed with Ryan Gosling. But you do get an honest peek into the beautiful person that is Laverne. Why? Because she started her blog by starting a Karma Revolution--by reaching out and thanking those who inspired her to start writing, and by calling to the rest of the blogosphere to spread around some gratitude. That spirit, that kindness, that unequivocal appreciation of those who inspire her----that is Laverne.


And so I raise my glass to her. I'm all on board to christen her brand new blog with the biggest bottle of proverbial champagne that I can find. And I wish her all the luck in the world in her new endeavor. 


Although I know she won't need it. Because she's ready to spread her wings and fly.

Bon Voyage, my friend! Can't wait to see what your new adventure will bring!

The Land I Love

People ask me all the time what it is that I love so much about Charleston, South Carolina. I've answered that question a hundred different ways. I could go on and on about the beaches, the historical landmarks, the museums and restaurants and hot spots. I've told you at length about The Tree that calls to you from the heart of Charleston. There's just something about this place, something magical, that fills my heart with gladness that we live here.


There's a feeling about Charleston, like a heartbeat, that creates a unique environment all its own. The oak trees, the Spanish moss, the sweltering heat and swarms of mosquitoes, the sweetness of its tea and the kindness of its people...there are a hundred reasons why I love Charleston as much as I do.


But sometimes, words don't do an adequate job of it. Sometimes, the land I love can only be captured in photos. And even in those photos, though you can catch a glimpse of what makes Charleston the most beautiful place on earth, you still miss that feeling, that heartbeat.


But I still try to capture it, each time we venture out of our home. You want to know why I love Charleston so much? Let me try to explain in pictures.

Behind the Scenes at Abby Gabs

Most every writer that I know has a space they call all their own--a space where they "create."  They surround themselves with things that inspire them: books, quotes, objects d'art, photos. Whatever that writer considers a muse is usually somewhere nearby when they're practicing their craft.

I am no different.

Now, I like to imagine myself sitting at a little table on my own back porch, surrounded by flowers and trees and nature, words flowing like so much honey. Or maybe in a beautiful study, filled with natural sunlight from a big picture window, looking out on copse of oak trees. Or, better yet, sitting at an antique desk in a little bedroom, windows facing the sea, watching the tide come in as I'm struck with inspiration on a daily basis.  

Instead, I get this:

There's not much natural sunlight, I'm surrounded by original 1973 wood paneling, and there's not an ocean or a forest anywhere in sight.

But that's ok. I've taken the space I've got and made it my own. And like other writers, I've surrounded myself with the paraphernalia that spurs my creativity. So today, I'd like to share my little corner of the world with you. 

Coffee Landing Pad

I usually write in the mornings. It's when I'm most motivated, and when my ideas are still fresh in my head. However, without caffeine, those ideas quickly go "Poof!" and disappear somewhere within the confines of my very fuzzy brain. So, having a landing pad for my super-cool coffee mug is an absolute must. I also like to keep a pretty notebook handy, because you know what they say: creativity spawns more creativity. So I often have ideas for future blogs while working on a current one. The notebook gives me somewhere to jot down those ideas (even though they most often just end up on post-it notes anyway.)

Say Hello To My Little Friend(s)

I have two little knick-knacks that are always front-and-center every morning. They live under my monitor, and one of the first things I do every day is straighten them and think about what they mean to me. My Maneki-neko (whose symbol stands for fertility--or so the people at Epcot led me to believe) reminds me every day to keep dreaming. And the teeny-tiny Transformer reminds me to keep searching for the humor in the day-to-day. (Plus, it's cute. It's a teeny-tiny Camaro!)

My Thinking Cap (sort of)

There are two reasons why my favorite beach-going fedora can be found on my desk. Reason number one: I've run out of room in my closet and have no where else to store it where it won't get smooshed. And reason number two: It reminds me of the beach. And the beach is the one place on earth where I feel most myself. So, when I can't have my toes in the sand, I put on my beach fedora instead. You'll have to trust me when I say I look like an idiot while wearing it, but it still makes me feel great.

Words That Inspire

I found this little wooden sign at a discount boutique for $3. I snapped it up, brought it home, and I read it out loud every single day. On days when I wish for nothing more than to be somewhere else than I already am, these words remind me that all I have to do is delve into my writing and my wish will come true. It tests the writer in me, and challenges me to spend more time in the world of my imagination.

New Kids Corner

I've often blogged about my husband's Transformer corner. And last year, when I got my own little collection of New Kids on the Block figurines, I took a page from his book and created my own little shelf, dedicated to the boy band I adore. Donned with the poseable figurines, a delightful Donnie Wahlberg keepsake card (given to me by fellow fan, Kristin), and my Donnie Wahlberg desk calendar, and I've got all the muse I need in about a square foot of space.

Each and every one of these little touches, paired with a ton of framed photos of friends and family, a few great tunes, and my camera, help me create Abby Gabs. And I'm constantly adding to the collection. 

Which means, by this time next year I'll need the study by the beach just so I'll have enough room to store all my muses. (Especially if I get the full-sized New Kids dolls to add to my New Kids Corner.)

  Please honey?

Five, Seven, Five

My blog is empty.

I'm still in vacation mode.

Writer's block galore.

No fun anecdotes,

Bad pictures, video blogs

Or stalker stories.

No tale to tell you.

No sarcastic spiel to share.

Nada. Zip. Nothing.

I thought and I thought

And then I thought even more.

What will I write today?

And then it hit me.

Silly Abby, write Haiku!

That's my cup of tea!

Source

Haikus are fun, see?

They are short, sweet and stylish.

Writer's block be gone.

Though they can be weird.

A mishmash of syllables.

With nary a rhyme.

Floating applesauce

Dim the lights and ring some bells

Penguin monkey hat.

But it is working!

Creative juices flowing.

I'm back to blogging!

Thanks to you, Haiku.

And your silly poem-y ways.

Abby Gabs is back!

Sometimes, All It Takes Is A Memory (Or Two)

I'm not sure if it's because of summer finally arriving in all her sunshiney glory, distractions around the house, or general lethargy, but my writing has been unceremoniously shoved onto the back burner lately. And so, this morning, I decided I needed to go on the search for some much-needed inspiration.

Step one, as usual, involved coffee. (Don't judge me. Caffeine sometimes jump starts my brain into that "be creative and funny" space that orange juice just doesn't accomplish.)

Brain cells active after a cup (or two), I sat down at my computer, opened up Spotify, and pulled up my new favorite playlist. It's titled "Take Me Back." And it's filled with 90s radio hits. And it makes me giddy.

2Pac and Green Day and Train...Oh My!

Tunes rockin' from the speakers, I clicked on my internet browser and headed over to Abby Gabs. Confident something blog-worthy would smack me in the face, I opened up a new document. And sat there for 20 minutes, the white page staring starkly at my caffeinated face.

For some reason, in the nano-second before I clicked the red X and gave in to my writer's block for the day, I was struck with the sudden urge to give it one last college try. I took my coffee and headed for one of my several book shelves. And there, on the top shelf, covered in an embarrassing layer of dust, was the book that I thought might solve all my problems.

A graduation gift from a high school sweetheart, and we're back in business, baby!

Filled with faith that Shel would help me out of my writing funk, I wiped the dust from the jacket and headed back to my desk. I began to thumb through the pages, smiling at the pencil sketches, giggling at the silly rhymes. Memories of my younger self, sitting in the floor of my dorm room, this same book in my lap, flooded my brain. I flipped to my favorite poem in the book from memory, barely noticing the small slip of paper that floated down to land in my lap. I wiped a tear away as I read about Deaf Donald:

Source

And then I closed the book. As I stood to return it to the shelf, the slip of paper that had been hiding between the pages fell from my lap to the floor. Curious, I picked it up. And found a carefully preserved, slightly wrinkly artifact from my childhood that stunned me.

It was a ticket stub from the one-and-only New Kids on the Block concert I've ever attended, way back in 1990. I was 9 years old, and I still remember the way my stomach lurched when the house lights went down. I can close my eyes and hear the roar of the teenage crowd as the group took the stage. I remember dancing in the aisles with my little brother, waving our homemade signs around with certainty that they'd be seen. I even remember catching a glance of my parents, smiling and singing along with the music that became the soundtrack for my childhood. It wasn't just a concert, it wasn't just about the boys in ripped jeans.  It was a life experience. And it's one of those memories that I'll always cherish.

As I held the ticket stub in my hand, I wondered how it had wound up hidden between the pages of a book that was given to me at my high school graduation. I trailed my finger along its battered edges, reading every letter of print, marveling that such an insignificant little thing as a used ticket stub could hold so much meaning. I slipped it back between the pages of Silverstein, marking the page for Deaf Donald, and cradled the book in my arms as I took it back to the book shelf in my bedroom. And knew that each time I passed that book on my way to bed each night, at least for a little while, I would smile with the knowledge that it was there, hidden among the words that had inspired me for much of my life.

And suddenly, a blog was born.

...And Many More...

What happens when the Best of the Blogosphere turns up to wish me a Happy Birthday? Well...you get the kindest Tweet of the day from Alex of Late Enough fame...

A silly (and slightly revealing) blog from my father-in-law, Walt, over on The Lucky Puppy, including an homage to my Photoshop/Paint mash-ups of late.

And three of the BEST digital birthday cards EVER CREATED from Laverne, co-author of Kindred Adventures. (Seriously, if you've never seen the "Hey Girl by Ryan Gosling" series popping up all over the internet, you might live under a rock. If you're in the dark, just google it. Then you'll see why the graphics below are SO MUCH COOLER.)

Card #1--in reference to the Kindle Fire my hubby got me for my bday.

Card #2--in reference to my current hair crises.

And my favorite of them all, Card #3--in reference to Donnie's famous birthday tweet of 2011.

To all those who tweeted, Facebooked, texted, called, emailed, and sent up smoke-signals, thank you for all the birthday salutations. They were--each and every one--greatly appreciated. 


And now, on to the 31st year of my life. I have a feeling it's going to be the best one yet!

Contemplation of Drastic Hairstyle Changes

I know how the saying goes. It's been drilled into my brain since puberty. "When going through a major lifestyle change, never quit your job, call your ex, or cut your hair." It's a girl's mantra that's been passed down through the ages. And I've always obeyed the unwritten law.

Here's the thing: I've been thinking about changing my hair for awhile now. And here, on the cusp of my 31st birthday, I'm thinking about it even harder. See, I got all my hair chopped off in 2008. And don't get me wrong---I still love it. I think the style suits my face. But I'm worried that, because I've had the same hairstyle for 4 years, that it's only a matter of time before I get ambushed by a certain style duo for Crimes Committed Against Fashion.

So, I've been toying with the idea of changing my hair, maybe even growing it out. I'm having a hard time visualizing what I'll look like with a different hairstyle, so I did what I do and turned to Photoshop for help. Here are a few looks I'm considering:

The Layered Bob

Inspired by Mariska Hargitay. Perfect for a round face. 
And a crime-fighter extraordinaire. That's me, right?

The Flat-Ironed Bob

Which looks awesome on the ever-lovely Ginnifer Goodwin.

Now if only I had her alabaster skin, alluring eyes, and awesome cheekbones 

to go with it, I'd be all set.

The Glee-Inspired "Geek Chic 'Do"

Thank you, Artie. You inspire me with your

unrelenting desire to succeed, your smooth beats, and your

awesome hair. You rock.

The Blonde Starlet Bob

I've always wondered if I could pull off blonde hair.

Now, thanks to Elisha Cuthbert and Photoshop, 

I'll always know that I absolutely cannot. 

(However, the style is cute.)

and finally...

The "I'm Out Of My Mind For Even Considering This Hairstyle" Hairstyle

But if GaGa can do it, I can do it. Right?  (Did I seriously

Photoshop pink hair on my head? Sheesh.)

Huh. Maybe I should reconsider. Especially since I'm realizing now that the above-picture makes my head look like a cross between an Easter Egg and an old-fashioned football helmet.

ANYway, now's the time for you to sound off, readers! Make your voice heard! Vote below! And if you feel the need to explain your opinion, there's always the comments section! In the meanwhile, I'm going to keep perusing my options. Maybe I can find a modern mohawk that will do the trick...

Which hairstyle should I choose?
	Mariska
	Ginnifer
	Artie
	Elisha
	Gaga
	Leave it the same, yo.
	Maybe you should ask your stylist before you dye your hair pink.
pollcode.com free polls

I'm linking up with Yeah Write this week. It's the equivalent of thecool kid's table on the internets.Come check us out. 

Yet

My birthday is on Wednesday. I'll be 31 years old. (Or, if you like to see life through rose-colored glasses like me, we'll call it 29.2. Yeah. Let's go with that.)

An (almost) 31-year-old.

Last year about this time, I was lamenting the fact that I was turning the big three-oh. It was an age I never thought about too much until it was looming over me. I'd had so many goals I'd wanted to accomplish, so many dreams I'd yet to grasp, none of which I'd managed to finish on my "To Do By 30" timeline. I felt intimidated by 30. Depressed. Worried that I'd never reach my full potential, convinced that I'd never be much more than "mediocre."


On June 13, 2011, I reluctantly welcomed 30 with friends, margaritas, and Donnie Wahlberg.


I have to admit, 30 hasn't been all that bad. I managed to write a novel (well, most of a novel) while participating in NaNoWriMo 2011. I found my fitness mojo, and lost 21 pounds. I made some excellent new friends since turning 30 (you know who you are). I became a godmother to the two most gorgeous babies in the universe, and I've been busy spoiling them rotten. I'm more in love with my husband now than I've ever been before, and our love keeps growing stronger with every day (every BIRTHday) that passes. 


Have I managed to be published yet? No. Do I have a child to call my own yet? No. Do I have a shiny new job, a shiny new house, a shiny new life yet? No.


And that's ok.


Because somehow, as terrified of 30 as I was a year ago, 31 is looking pretty damn good to me right now. I'm feeling optimistic. Content. Maybe even a little excited. Instead of focusing on what I don't have, or what I haven't accomplished, I'm focusing on one tiny three-letter word.


YET.


Thirty-one holds so much for me. For my little family. Thirty-one could hold some of the most memorable moments of our lives yet. Thirty-one is like a big birthday package, wrapped in bright paper, with ribbons and bows and a hidden surprise inside.


I haven't had some big epiphany. I haven't learned anything new, or gone on a spiritual journey that led me to this conclusion. I just woke up one morning, excited about the next phase in my life, even though I have no idea what the next year of my life contains. But I'm ready for the challenge. And I'm excited to find out what's around the next corner.


So I'm wishing myself a happy birthday (a couple of days early.) And I'm patting myself on the back and wishing myself Bon Voyage. Because in a couple of days, I'll be 31. And I'm so jazzed to see what life has in store for me in the thirty-first year of my life. 


(Especially if it means another birthday salutation from a certain you-know-who on Twitter!) (Who knows, maybe this time he'll spell my name correctly.)

Ok, I know I totally created that for myself on Photoshop, but I'm swooning over here. Also, Ryan Gosling's got NOTHING on Donnie Wahlberg. Just sayin'. ♪♫ Happy birthday to meeeee....happy birthday to meeeeee....♪♫