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!

A Princess Party for Two

Reason number eleventy hundred and twenty one why I adore Twitter---it gives me the opportunity to talk to other bloggers. Case in point: about a week ago, I was perusing my Twitter feed when I noticed friend and fellow blogger, Laverne, from Kindred Adventures, was tweeting about a somewhat boring experience at a child's birthday party. I jumped in, hoping to give her a reason to giggle. 


And our conversation led to this blog post.


And so, without further ado, I'm thrilled to give you my very first co-blog, written by Laverne and illustrated by yours truly. Please enjoy!

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White mock-vintage mirrors hung on the purple walls. A table in the middle of the room held china place settings, ready for a tea party. A small stage in the back of the room waited to be filled with 5-year-olds dressed as princesses. Rock-n-roll musical chairs, Justin Bieber, hip-hop-hokey-pokey and Taylor Swift pulsated continuously. Smiles painted their faces and rosy cheeks, glitter and giggles and screeches showed their happiness. A room holding racks of princess dresses, rows and rows of bedazzled shoes, pails of crowns and containers of wands waited to transport the girls from a birthday party to the world of princesses.

I sunk into the yellow paisley embroidered couch. My daughter didn't want me to leave. (I had planned on dropping her off and then heading over to a coffee shop for some "me" time.) I was here at the Princess Party for the duration...two long hours. Sigh. The smell of bubble gum perfume, children's lip gloss and nail polish saturated the room. The music intertwined with the eardrum-piercing screeching left me of thoughts of my own. I took out my phone and began to tweet. 

I tweeted some more...and still, nothing.

Then, there she was...Abby.

Now it was my turn to smile.

"How are you? What are you up to?" I was happy to find a friendly face that might help make the time fly by.

"Just finished a great run. All good here! How are you?" she happily replied.

"I'm at a princess party right now and hopefully soon, a few beverages, some dinner, and bed!" I shared.

"Aw, man!," Abby tweeted giddily. "I wanna have a princess party!" 

My imagination began to drift. Suddenly I felt like I was with Abby in one of her drawings. Just what would it be like if our life was like a Princess Party?

Of course, the hardest thing we'd have to do in the morning would be just to get out of bed. Our hair, nails, and makeup would be done for us.

Too much glitter and enough sequins--enough to blind a person--would be all the rage. The second hardest thing we would do would be to decide which of the rows and rows of sequins, puffy, fluffy layered dressed we wanted to wear that day.

Our day would be spent twirling in our dresses and hanging out with other princesses, doing what princesses do best.

"Mommy....Mooommmyyy......MOMMY!"

My daydream crashed around me. "Yes sweetie?"

"I have to go potty."

Sigh.

It was glittery and sparkly and wonderful.....while it lasted!

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Princess dresses, tiaras, and Jose Cuervo...you guys KNOW I had a blast working on this project with Laverne!!! I hope you'll check out her awesome blog, co-written with best pal, Shirley. And I hope that one day soon, Laverne and I will be able to have a real life Princess Party...without Justin Bieber. (Just sayin'.)

Today we're linking up with Yeah Write.

Because we have a feeling that there are some

other closeted princesses out there in the

blogosphere that might like to join us for

a royal margarita...or two...