My badass best girls from college days ...

These precious girls have been mentioned on this blog before. But, I'd just like to give a shout-out to them tonight. These women were my best friends in college and continue to inspire me. We've all moved on since the ol' days at The College of Charleston. Babies, love, death(s), marriages, work... work, art, sickness, money, loss of money, loss of marriage(s), life.
These women knew me when I was a VIRGIN. No joke.
And ... they knew me after I became a "non-virgin."
They were the first, actually, to know that I had ... at 22 ... gone "rogue."
We practiced our art(s) together. We laughed our balls off. We ate, drank, and lived art ... and supported one another ... and we have all been through the ringer. Each and every one of us. I cannot believe that each one of us dealt with such harsh issues. It's amazing to me.
So, I'd like to send my love to the "Charleston 7" tonight. A fabulous lot of women that I will forever hold close to my heart and soul. We danced to "Boogie on Reggae Woman" whilst getting ready for parties in Chuck-Town.
And on that note, I'd like to dedicate the following song to them. It was always one of our favorites. We'd sit and sing it late, late at night ... or driving along a beautiful coastal highway ... or, running naked on Folly Beach.
These pics were taken in Asheville. Celebrating Eli's pregnancy.
If any of you end up with girlfriends like this, try to hold on to them. It's such a blessing.
Though I wasn't there for the trip, I'm so blessed to still have them.
Cannot imagine my world without them. They are such an amazing FORCE.
xoxo
Anna

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipUdoUcNmKI

xoxo
Anna W
p.s. I love you girls.

My top 10 most used words in Facebook posts...

I'm am "shocked and awed" by this list. I, actually, love it. I had imagined, prior to them coming up, that there would be a shit-load of cuss words. I imagine that it's only because I have a vast list in my repertoire. But, the following list made my heart smile!

My Top Words of 2010
Here are top words from my Facebook status messages!
1:Love - used 51 times
2:Silas - used 30 times
3:Happy - used 26 times
4:Sweet - used 23 times
5:God - used 20 times
6:Thank - used 20 times
7:Xoxo - used 18 times
8:Beautiful - used 18 times
9:B - used 18 times
10:Night - used 17 times

Not bad. Not bad, at all. We'll see what next year holds.
xoxo
Anna

Happy Cancerversary, Court!!!!

.... and to celebrate this most momentous occasion, it being her 5th cancerversary, she decided to chop off ALL of her hair and donate it to "Locks of Love." Bye, bye cancer. HELLOOOOOOO life!!!!
She was as nervous as a mama dear when she got to the salon. But, once she sat in my chair, she mellowed out. I cut about 10 inches off. I have to say, her new short "do" is ADORABLE!!! She rocks the cut and it suits her so well. Colie and Sarah were both there, as Sarah had an appointment after Court ... and Colie showed up to surprise her. It was a fabulous moment with fabulous ladies sharing in the "scalping."
Congratulations to you, sweet girl. I'm so blessed to have you in my world. We're all so thrilled for and proud of you!
xoxo,
Anna

Little Johnny Cash love ...

Loves me some Johnny Cash. Silas and I have rocked it out to him since Si was a babe. Check out the following video, via youtube, set to "God's Gonna Cut You Down."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxh-FfElY0M&feature=player_embedded


Lovely.
xoxo
Anna

January 15th ... KICK ASS THROTTLE ROCKETS!!!!

Well, well, well. Sounds like a beatin' is about to take place. The Rat City Roller girls, the roller derby here in Seattle, are having a match on January 15th. One of their teams, The Throttle Rockets, will be skating in honor of The Young Survival Coalition that evening. They are bruisers ... as are we.
The Rat City Rollers have a HUGE following. They are a bunch of bad-ass women that are also tremendous athletes. Plus, they knock the shit out of one another and then go and have beers and burgers after the match. I commend them for that.
So, get your favorite pink and black gear together (the Throttle Rockets' colors) and head out to Key Arena on January 15th.
We'll all be there ...
xoxo
Anna

Godspeed Elizabeth Edwards ...

My stomach is in knots and I didn't even KNOW this woman. I know the past few years have been quite "dramatic" in regards to her family and all that it's gone through. But, I have to say that she carried herself with such grace and strength during this whole process. Her disease did not seem to control her. She appeared to be leading herself down a path that many that I've known have walked.
I hate that she knew that she was leaving her children. I cannot begin to imagine the sadness that she and other women that are dying, due to ANY disease, feel. It overwhelms me at times to think of that ...
I pray that she and her family are at peace.
xoxo
Anna

Feeling Charitable???

If you're looking for a fabulous organization to spend some extra "charity" money on this month, I would LOVE to suggest Mirror Stage.
I've had the honor of working with them a couple of times. Suzanne, the managing artistic director, has made a point of introducing new works to us ... the "work-a-day world" folk. These are works that are fabulous, but may not have been seen on other terms. They are modern, edgy, funny, sad, thought-provoking, and fabulous.
So, if you have a few extra bucks to donate this year, please keep Mirror Stage in mind. It is, truly, a fabulous theatre company that is highly respected in the Seattle theatre community. It exposes us all to new works that we might never have seen ... new works that are amazing!

The link is: mirrorstage.org

xoxo,
Anna

My dear friend Jack Sharkey ...

... Just sent me these sweet photos from his local parish in NYC. The alter is gorgeous. His parents names are there blessing this alter. He has been such a huge emotional support to me and has been a HUGE supporter of The New Normal.
I got an e-mail from him one day ... a day that I, truly, needed it ... that said, while on his way to work, he stopped by this local parish in NYC and lit a candle for Silas and me. Generally, it is lit for his parents ... his mother having died due to breast cancer. However, that day, he took the time to go inside and pray for my son and me.
I never knew how beautiful this alter was until today ... months later.
Thank you, Jack. It's absolutely gorgeous. I'm so glad you have this peaceful place to go that reflects the beauty of your parents and your own kind soul.
xoxo
Anna

The Road is long, indeed, long ...

"He's not Heavy, He's my Brother" is a gorgeous song. One of those that has always reminded me of love, family, friends, and life. The level of love and respect I have for those in my life right now fits it to a T. And, I know any one of the people in my close world would carry me on their back to the ends of universe ... and, I would do the same. THAT'S love and respect:


The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows when
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother.

So on we go
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me

If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another.

It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share
And the load
Doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy, he's my brother.

He's my brother
He ain't heavy, he's my brother.

xoxo
Anna

Happiest of Thanksgivings to all ...

What a wonderful day. We spent the afternoon and evening holed up here in The Mountlake of Terrace with amazing friends and family. We cooked our asses off ... then, added back on the ass by eating our weight in EVERYTHING.
I cannot imagine trying to make a list of the people and the things for which I am appreciative. Too numerous to even fathom.
But, I can say that I am so very thankful to be able to spend a beautiful day with amazing family and friends. Many aren't afforded that opportunity. So, it is not lost on me.
I send extra love to those friends and family of mine that did not get to spend Thanksgiving with their loved ones ... either through physical or spiritual distance. Either way, that's a hard row to hoe. Sending love to those that are there and rallying.
Happy Thanksgiving to all...
xoxo
Anna

Snow's at it again ... and we're lovin' it!

Aside from missing a much needed work day, I'm happy to have this gorgeousness here in the Mountlake of Terrace. It began this morning and slowed down. The dogs played their hearts out and Silas and I went for a beautiful walk in the snow. We attempted to get Willie involved in the play ... Willie, if he had a middle finger, would have thrown it at us. He was NOT thrilled.
So, Tootsie and Otis played and played in the snow.
Note the fabulous pic of Tootsie humping Otis. This is "par for the course" in our back yard. Bless the neighbor's hearts. If any other dog were to do that to him, he would eat their face off. For some reason, when it's her, he just sits there like he's waiting for a bus or something. Bizarre ....
It has been such a beautiful snow ...
xoxo
Anna

Let it snow!!!!!

Woke up this morning to beautiful little snowflakes falling here and there. This progressed to huge fluffy flakes that abounded. Silas said "Man! Snow is so cool, isn't it Mama?"
Indeed it is. Willie, our kitty was swatting at the window trying to get at the flakes. If it picks up again today, I plan on letting him outside with the dogs to see what he does. I MUST find my video camera for that one.
I am knee deep in ashes and soot right now, as I just cleaned out the fireplace ... following which, Don has found every burnable object in the house (it seems) and is tossing the shit in there. The flames, I believe, are shooting out of the top of our chimney for all of the neighbors to marvel at ... or to question a 911 call due to their neighbor's house being on fire. Inside ... well, thank God I have an inhaler.
It's a cozy and beautiful day. Snow. Fire. Beer. And, yes, I will admit to it here and now: football.
xoxo
Anna

Gorgeous ceremony...

"Awe" is a word that has come up in my world quite a bit of late. It certainly did today. Generally, it's a good context. Sometimes, however, it is not.
Elizabeth's service was beautiful, perfect, and EXACTLY what she would have wanted ... save for "A COUPLE" of minor issues.
All in all, it was amazing. The music was gorgeous. The women that spoke were fierce and so, so passionate. The church, packed.
It was wonderful to see the kids so strong. I was at E-Beth's house this morning doing their hair and checking in. They are so, so very strong during the midst of this storm. They had tons of school friends there at the service with them. So, so sweet.
Knowing that E-Beth was there with us, at HER service ... for HER FRIENDS AND FAMILY ... I know, from our many beloved conversations, that she shares these sentiments as well.
Beautiful day. Ruddy (and selfish) speed bump here and there. But, otherwise, the service itself was so, so gorgeous.
xoxo
Anna

With loving memories of Elizabeth ...

Today, those that loved our E-Beth so dearly will attend her service at St Mark's cathedral. It is a beautiful, beautiful space that overlooks all of Seattle and shines bright in the evening for all to see. Reminds me so much of my dear friend. In honor of this day, I share a beautiful poem:

What is Death?
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
that we still are.

Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way
which you always used.
Put no difference in your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.

Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without affect,
without the trace of a shadow on it.

Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolutely unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?

I am waiting for you,
for an interval,
somewhere very near,
just around the corner.

All is well.
~ Henry Scott Holland

I find solace in knowing that she's just around the corner waiting for me. I, so, look forward to that day. May she, K-Dawg, and all of those that we love live it UP up there until we all make it to them.
xoxo
Anna

Lifting our girl up in love and laughter ...

Tomorrow, we will celebrate our sweet Elizabeth during a fabulous "get-together" with family and friends. It's a PARTY ya'll! Her wishes were for the evening to be full of laughter. I sure hope it lives up to her dreams.
Her funeral will be held at St. Marks, here in Seattle, at 4:00pm on Friday.
xoxo
Anna

Our Beautiful Girl ...

A lovely pick taken during the Race For the Cure a few years ago. Ain't she pretty! I love you, Mama.
xoxo
Anna

Godspeed, Sweet Elizabeth...

It is with more than heavy heart that I share with you the passing of one of my dearest friends. Elizabeth Korrell passed away last night surrounded by family. She had had a hard time with her health, of late. I find, some, peace in knowing that she is no longer struggling. I, also, find peace in knowing that she was welcomed to her new home by the loving embrace of our precious K-Dawg.
I love you, madly, sweet girl. Thank you so, so much for all the years of love, support, and laughter. We miss you already. And, look forward to the day that we may see you again. Until then, please watch over us ... I know you will.
Love you, love you, love you ... Godspeed, sweet girl.
xoxo
Anna

My girlfriends are my rocks ...

The pic pretty much says it all. Through thick and thin ... I have the most amazing network of women. We are "heads down", right now, in hopes that we raise a sister up, up, and UP! And, I know that she WILL be "raised up" in hope, strength, and prayer.
Do send her your love and prayers, please.
xoxo
Anna

Settling into our new house sitting gig...

Well, once again, Silas and I are house/dog sitting. We have, of course, brought along with us The Fraggles (our bucket-o-animals).
It's loverly to be so close to Seattle-proper. Only about 2 minutes from work. So, that long commute won't be a burdern ... at least, for the next week. Willie, out kitty cat is LOVING the new space and it's little hiding spots. Mostly, he hangs with the dogs.
We've taken to training Willie to go outside ... safely. He, hopefully, will be leash trained before long. How fun would it be to take him on walks with the dogs???? Or scary, depending on what other dogs we encounter...
xoxo
Anna

Meet the new Anna...

Had NO clue ... but, I'm baring a resemblance to this gentleman. Uh ohhhh ....
xoxo
Anna

Even MORE NYC pics ... highjacked, of course ...

More loverly pics of the family and friends. Thank you Jane.
My eyes look like they need a pillow (thank you Angi, you asshole). And, my ass looks like it needs a FORKLIFT!
However, I'm still missing NYC. Arghhhh.....
xoxo
anna

Stewart & Colbert

"This was not a rally to ridicule people of faith or people of activism, or look down our noses at the heartland or passionate argument, or to suggest that times are not difficult and we have nothing to fear. They are and we do.

The image of Americans that is reflected back to us by our political and media process is false. [Americans hear] how fragile our country is, on the brink of catastrophe, torn by polarizing hate, and how it's a shame that we can't work together to get things done. The truth is, we do. We work together to get things done every damn day. The only place we don't is here or on cable TV."

I love that a whole BUNCH of folks that had their hearts set on something used COMEDY to get their point across. It's certainly much harder to use comedy to make changes in society than it is to use rhetoric or violence. Kudos to those that aren't lazy and have the balls to fight ... whilst making us ALL laugh at ourselves.
Have a problem? Work your AZZ off to get it fixed. Don't harm others in your process. Don't throw others under the bus. You make me laugh? I might spend a bit of time listening to your politics. I might even agree ... If you're not a narcissist.
xoxo
Anna

What in the Hell is happening to us????

Let it be noted that I can, at times, be a total asshole. There are specific triggers to this "Assholedom."
Get me in traffic. You'll see it. I channel some sort of inbred Harpy. You cut me off in traffic when my kid's in the car ... I'll let the middle finger fly quicker than you can say "Boo!" Not only that ... if the kid's NOT in the car, I will use words that only sailors have dared to use.
However, I look at what is going on in our world right now: the wars, the terrorism, the genocide, the famine, the national disasters, the disease, the political bullshit, the ignorance, etc. And, I have to wonder one thing: WHAT IN THE FUCK ARE WE THINKING??????? Yes, I'm a CNN junkie. So, I sit and watch it on the TV or read it on the Interweb whenever I get a free moment, which is rare of late.
We all have our own personal issues. I get it. I've got PLENTY of my own, dear reader.
But, I have to wonder if we as a species ... speaking as the "Jane Goodall" of dipshits ... will EVER, EVER figure ourselves out? I mean, will we ever figure ourselves out enough that we can start to practice a modicum of compassion ... regardless of race, religion, sexuality, gender, age, financial standing, etc?
It's just become so astounding to me that human lives seem so expendable: to people, to governments, to insurance companies, to ALL of us.
This ultra-cheesy song, sort of, speaks to me. I use to listen to it when I was a young girl and would spend summers at Angi and Pam's farm house .... many moons ago in my beloved York, South Carolina. It makes sense to me now.

"Conviction of the Heart" (Kenny Loggins)

Where are the dreams that we once had?
This is the time to bring them back.
What were the promises caught on the tips of our tongues?
Do we forget or forgive?
There's a whole other life waiting to be lived when...
One day we're brave enough
To talk with Conviction of the Heart.
And down your streets I've walked alone,
As if my feet were not my own
Such is the path I chose, doors I have opened and closed
I'm tired of living this life,
Fooling myself, believing we're right, when...
I've never given love
With any Conviction of the Heart
One with the earth, with the sky
One with everything in life
I believe we'll survive
If we only try...
How long must we all wait to change
This world bound in chains that we live in
To know what it is to forgive,
And be forgiven?
It's been too many years of taking now.
Isn't it time to stop somehow?
Air that's too angry to breathe, water our children can't drink
You've heard it hundreds of times
You say your aware, believe, and you care, but...
Do you care enough
Where's your conviction of the Heart?

One with the earth,with the sky,one with everything in life.
I believe it will start with conviction of the heart.
With the earth,with the sky,one with everything in life.
I believe it will start with conviction of the heart.
One earth,one sky,only one world,only one chance for one life.
When will we live?
One child,one dream,only one life.
You've but one chance for one life.
When will we live?
Only one earth,and only one sky,and only one world.
We've only got one chance to live in one life.
I believe, it's only gonna start when we begin with some conviction of the heart.

xoxo
Anna
p.s. Don't knock the cheese! The cheese makes me nostalgic...

New KCPQ Link to our YSC Story...

This link, I believe, covers both segments One & Two. Apparently, they have added it again to the programming this evening on a producer's request.
As per my face: don't mind the lighting at Gilda's and my acne scars. I happen to look fabulous in dim light ... when you're drunk ... and it's 2 am ... and I have a bag over my head!!!!!
Jokes aside, it's just a wonderful piece. Angela has done such an amazing job with it. I couldn't be more proud of her. Oh, plus she's really easy on the eyes ... if you know what I mean!

http://www.q13fox.com/news/kcpq-young-breast-cancer-survivors-102910,0,3403554.story


xoxo
Anna
p.s. I just learned that it is the "most viewed" video on Q13. How's about them apples??!!!!!!!!!!

First segment of our YSC Q13 recap aired today...

http://www.q13fox.com/news/kcpq-young-breast-cancer-survivors-102910,0,3403554.story

The second, I will try to post here as well.
xoxo
Anna

BOO!

Meet my favorite male ladybug. ANNNDDDDD .... he will have you know that "many ladybugs are boys", by the way.
He chose this costume at a discount store while we were shopping for shoes last month. Good price. AND, he can work that stuff! We're gonna grab him some little combat boots and fishnet hose ... He will be a TRUE punk-rocker. He chose this one his own?!!!
My kid is brilliant.
Just saying ...
xoxo,
Anna

Way to GO!!!! The New Normal ROCKED IT!!!!!

Just received this fabulous message from my peeps at Coyote Rep!

"Hello friends,
Thank you so much for your attendance and support of "The New Normal"! Thanks to you, "The New Normal" was by far the most successful show in the history of Coyote REP!
As you heard at the show, we are registered with the NY Innovative Theatre Awards. While some of the nominations are a result of judges, a large percentage is based off of audience support, so please take a few moments and vote for "The New Normal!"
http://www.nyitawards.com/vote/
Thanks again for your continue support!
The Coyote REP family!"


I cannot believe how amazing the show was and how successful it has become.
This has been one of the HUGEST honors of my existence. Congrats to all at Coyote Rep. Amazing.
xoxo
Anna

"Akima" pics ...

Well, "most" folks refer to the city as "Yakima". However, Silas has his own pronunciation of it. "Akima" has a great ring to it.
Whilst I was in NYC, my Mosey was partying with Grammie and Grandaddy in Yakima. He had the time of his life. Pizza parties at Grandaddy's office, helping Grammie pick gourds out of the garden, playing with the puppies, and master-minding plans to move in with them ... I'm certain.
My in-laws have taken him twice this year. Both times being a full week. The child barely knew I was gone!
Darn you Grammie and Grandaddy ... and, THANK YOU!!!!! He had the most wonderful time.
We love you with all of our hearts ...
xoxo,
Anna & Silas

Tomorrow ...

Cheryl Sheburne will be celebrated.
Following is the link to her obituary. Another beautiful soul has left us too, too soon.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx?n=cheryl-anne-sherburne-sommer&pid=146007719


Godspeed, dear friend.
xoxo
Anna

Meet Angela King of Fox Q13, Seattle ...

This woman is a force of nature. Angela has followed the stories of all of us YSC girls for years. Her first meeting with us was at Gasworks Park, here in Seattle, two years ago. Today, several of the original gals got together to meet up with Angela, as per her request, to do a little follow-up on her (nearly) Emmy nominated piece from those 2 years ago. It was quite surreal ... the "reunion."
It was fabulous to see Angela's sweet face and to have her sidled up on the floor with us at Gilda's Club talking about what has transpired these past few years.
We had some hard moments, as one of our former "cast members" wasn't there. Our K-Dawg is gone. That was hard.
But, we made sure to share her story ... including the joys and heartbreaks.
We've all grown in so many ways. We've all had so many phenomenal moments. So many moments that we hold dear. However, we've all, also, had so many moments that have brought us to our knees in despair. We're blessed to have such a great group of women with which to share those highs and lows.
I cannot thank Miss Angela King enough for spending so much time and heart and soul for covering our stories and lives. She has followed us down this path.
Angela is an amazing woman. An amazing journalist. An amazing advocate. And ... she's an honorary YSC girl!
Honestly, at this point, she's not "following" us down the "path". To me, she's walking it with us ...side by side.
Thank you, sweet girl.
xoxo
Anna
p.s. I highjacked this photo from the Q13 Website ... please don't sue me!

And ... more ... pics...

They just keep getting better and better!!!!!
xoxo
Anna

NYC pics ...

Back from NYC with the most amazing memories ...

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Dear Lord, where to begin????
I believe our trip to NYC may have very well been on my top 5 of my entire life. To start off ... these photos are from The Hotel Chelsea, where we stayed during our visit. It is, hands down, one of the most amazing and quirky hotels EVER! I was well aware of its history: Sid killing Nancy there, Andy W. spending so much time there, and so many artists that used it as a refuged. Some still do. So, there are still residents mingling along-side of us tourist types.
So, the pics that I've shared, thus far, are of some of the gorgeous artwork that splashes every wall and hallway on EVERY floor of the building. A pic of our K-Dawg is hiding behind a particularly interesting piece of artwork there.
The family and friends arrived with a bang and we had THE MOST FUN AND HYSTERICAL TIME. It was a one for The Bucket List, I can assure you.
The New Normal proved to be one of The most fabulous/funny/tear-jerking/real/well written shows that I've seen in my 36 years. It was phenomenal. The audience ate it up. The cast was brilliant. The crew, likewise. Isaac and Donnetta have done such an amazing job getting this show up. I'm honored, beyond words and heart, to be a part of this amazing piece.
We were able to hang out with quite a few of the YSC gals, as some live in NYC and some were there to be a part of the opening of the SCAR PROJECT. So, E-Beth and I took it in on Friday ... we spent the evening with some of our sweet gals that posed, as they went to the play with us.
So, so much more to write. I await pics from friends and family. I'll highjack those and put them up on the blog and get into specifics about this most beautiful trip.
Until then ...
xoxo
Anna