Where would Cinderella be without her GOWN and Glass Slippers?!

That's me...3rd from the left, in the blue/green ballgown.  The photo was taken at a friend's event - Masquerade Party at Grand Bohemian.  Pictured are:  Diana Simean (fiancee of Mark Kessler), Mark Kessler (SMU grad!), myself (another SMU grad), Amanda Wood, Barbara Hartley, Elizabeth Holubek and my husband, Rob Mackle (yes...SMU grad!).

It's not that I am shallow, but let me go on a tirade about how fashion can affect your life!

One of the reasons I was soooooo excited about this event was because it was the perfect occasion and theme to wear my circa late 80's, early 90's - blue/green dress that I had worn in 8th grade to an event and also in 9th grade.  My birthday is 1/3/75 and I'm almost 36 yrs of age as I write this with 2 kids - so here it goes - BRAG, BRAG, BRAG...I still fit into it!  (Little did everyone who was shocked that it still fit realize was that the power of EMPIRE WAIST is awesome!  My expanded hips, post birth would never fit into as Katie Perry would say - Teenage Dream, Skin Tight Jeans!  Lucky for me, my curves are now kickin!

I am just writing as an ode to this wonderful dress.  I first saw it walking by in Saks 5th Avenue.  There it was, in the CENTER of the evening department - on a model with red hair.  It was gorgeous, colorful, with shiny beads, a full skirt - the epitome of femininity.  I thought to myself, "A girl in that dress can have anything she wants!"  That dress was expensive!  But lucky for me, my mom sensed that this dress was unlike any other I have admired before and I wasn't really a high maintenance teenager - so we walked out with a dream turned reality!

When I put the dress on, I was transformed.  Gawky teenager?  Nope! I was royalty!  Unload the dishwasher?  I think not!  I had fun wearing the dress and it expanded my world view - go out, experience what the night holds, have adventures in life and meet new people.  Seek out these opportunities and wear whatever makes you shine in your own way.

I could have been married in that dress!  I admire other cultures with colorful weddings.  Not that I am dissing my beautiful white wedding gown - but my husband DID have a different reaction when he saw me, at 36, squeeze into my blue/green dress!  Junior League did a wonderful event called "Cinderella's Closet."  Members of our League donated formal dresses to our store so that girls who might not have the means....could have nice Prom wear.  They also had accessories and make up artists.  Everyone had a blast and with a little help from Fairy Godmothers and community friends - we just became girls helping girls get dressed up and having a night of fun.  Maybe their night will lead to other big nights!  And as much as I love and adore my blue/green dress - I think I need to pass it on, I was able to wear it one last time - but there is another Cinderella who needs my power dress!

I love you, Sak's 5th Avenue Model...for showing me the way!

A Salute to Honor (Jim Sinclair)

My husband sent me this from Jim Sinclair - a brilliant mind!  Its nice to know that not everyone is a robot and actually can make decisions based on humanity versus orders.

A Salute To Honor

Posted: Apr 19 2010     By: Jim Sinclair      Post Edited: April 19, 2010 at 9:00 pm Look carefully at the B-17 and note how shot up it is – one engine dead, tail, horizontal stabilizer and nose shot up.. It was ready to fall out of the sky. (This is a painting done by an artist from the description of both pilots many years later.) Then realize that there is a German ME-109 fighter flying next to it. Now read the story below. I think you’ll be surprised…..

Charlie Brown was a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot with the 379th Bomber Group at  Kimbolton , England . His B-17 was called ‘Ye Old Pub’ and was in a terrible state, having been hit by flak and fighters. The compass was damaged and they were flying deeper over enemy territory instead of heading home to Kimbolton.
After flying the B-17 over an enemy airfield, a German pilot named Franz Steigler was ordered to take off and shoot down the B-17. When he got near the B-17, he could not believe his eyes. In his words, he ‘had never seen a plane in such a bad state’. The tail and rear section was severely damaged, and the tail gunner wounded. The top gunner was all over the top of the fuselage.  The nose was smashed and there were holes everywhere.
Despite having ammunition, Franz flew to the side of the B-17 and looked at Charlie Brown, the pilot. Brown was scared and struggling to control his damaged and blood-stained plane.
     BF-109 pilot Franz Stigler                                B-17 pilot Charlie Brown.

Aware that they had no idea where they were going, Franz waved at Charlie to turn 180 degrees. Franz escorted and guided the stricken plane to, and slightly over, the North Sea towards  England . He then saluted Charlie Brown and turned away, back to  Europe .  When Franz landed he told the CO that the plane had been shot down over the sea, and never told the truth to anybody. Charlie Brown and the remains of his crew told all at their briefing, but were ordered never to talk about it.
More than 40 years later, Charlie Brown wanted to find the Luftwaffe pilot who saved the crew. After years of research, Franz was found. He had never talked about the incident, not even at post-war reunions.
They met in the  USA  at a 379th Bomber Group reunion, together with 25 people who are alive now – all because Franz never fired his guns that day. 
(L-R) German Ace Franz Stigler, artist Ernie Boyett, and B-17 pilot Charlie Brown.
When asked why he didn’t shoot them down, Stigler later said, I didn’t have the heart to finish those brave men.  I flew beside them for a long time.  They were trying desperately to get home and I was going to let them do that.  I could not have shot at them.  It would have been the same as shooting at a man in a parachute.
Both men died in 2008.
This is a true story: http://www.snopes.com/military/charliebrown.asp

Grandmother Grissom, aka, "Mom Grissom" Passes Away March 2010

Today I found out the last of my grandparents had passed away, Mom Grissom.

In shock right now because I feel a little guilty.
I hadn't called her recently, I was busy traveling, then volunteering in some fundraiser and accepting a board role, not to mention the daily grind (and fun) with 2 young kids and a husband.
My wonderful dad said that she passed quickly, and knew how much she was loved and died on her own terms.
I went to a friend's husband's funeral recently (Athina Dever's...John) and though I hear about Heaven and passing on fairly often, his funeral did make me feel better on the subject of death.
His funeral (memorial service) was so uplifting - it was if John had planned it - rock music (his favorite), cat photos and memorabilia and many dear friends talking about their love for John and their fun times together.  And the minister at the end reminded us that one day in Heaven is like a 1,000 years on Earth.  John will see Athina in a blink of an eye and Athina will never get over him, because John's Earthly body has passed, but their love still lives.  That is how I feel about my grandmother, Mom Grissom - our love still lives and I know she is exactly where she wants to be - in Heaven, with HER beloved John (my grandfather) and she's probably tending the Heavenly gardens as I type.  Then again, I hope she finally took my advice and visited the Spa...Eden Spa!

My grandmother was a beauty queen, Miss West Texas!  She was a Chi-Omega, but the house burned down, so that went up in smoke!  She was very fit, though smoked!  (For several birthdays, I was given fitness devices or jump ropes, etc!)  Amazing, the smoking ISN'T what killed her - now that is genetics!  She was very intelligent and giving and always gifting everyone.  Brownies were always the best with her and we loved modeling her shower caps!  And NO ONE could fit into HER wedding dress when it came time for the granddaughters to marry - that gave her pride!  Yes, she was a classy lady, spunky and could work a hair bonnet better than any Amish woman.  Mom Grissom had personality and stood for something and we loved drawing on her chalkboard in the kitchen, even to this day!  That chalkboard must be 100 years old...older than she was!

Anyway, I am still in shock and sad that the typical advice was somewhat missed - don't take for granted how much time we have with each other while on Earth, because you never know when it is your last day or a loved ones.  I'm just glad she moved to much better real estate with a wonderful view and Heavenly neighbors!  We miss you Mom Grissom....say hello to Pop Grissom for us!

Frances Faye Grissom, 89, died, Friday, March 26, 2010
Frances was born May 19, 1920 in Stamford, Texas to David and Ursula Prewit. Frances graduated from Stamford High School in 1938 where she was a yell leader and a founding member of the Sub-Deb Club. During her high school years she participated in various beauty pageants, including being crowned Goddess of West Texas. She attended Hardin-Simmons University and the University of Texas in 1939 and 1940.
On November 30, 1941 she married John L. Grissom at the First Baptist Church in Stamford, Texas, enjoying over 62 years of marriage until his death in 2004. They shared many adventures ranging from supporting John during his stint as an Army Air Corp instructor, community leader, and his career as a certified tax appraiser. She enjoyed participating as a member of the local music and garden clubs of Stamford.
She is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, David Lee Grissom and wife, Judith Pyeatt Grissom of Austin, Gary John Grissom and wife, Janan Gregory Grissom of Austin, five grandchildren, Jennifer Judith Grissom Mackle and husband Robert of Orlando, Florida, Garrett Davidson Grissom and wife, Keren of Sugarland, Texas, Julie Grissom Phillips and husband Todd of Sterling, Virginia, Gregory John Grissom and wife Jamie of Houston, Texas, and Grant Grissom of Austin, Texas. Seven great-grandchildren, Parker Hayden Phillps, Katherine, McKenna Phillips, and Raney Grace Phillips, all of Sterling, Virginia, Campbell Elizabeth Grissom, Samuel John Grissom, all of Houston, Texas, and Colin Grissom Mackle, Hayden Robert Mackle, all of Orlando, Florida.
The family will be receiving friends at the Tankersley Funeral Home on Sunday evening from 6 until 7 p.m. Graveside funeral service will be at Highland Memorial Cemetery at 1:00 pm on Monday under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home.
The family requests that memorials be sent to the VIP Community Center at 508 E. Gould Street, Stamford, Texas 79553, or the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 24, Stamford, Texas 79553.

Pet Memories

I am writing this post because everyone has funny or wonderful pet memories! I hope to add several - I feel like "John" in the movie, "Marley and Me" - pets make our lives!


Background on Chanel the Cat: This first post is about my parent's pet cat, Chanel. They claim to have originally gotten the cat for me (around 1997), but they are idiots because anyone knows that when you bring a pet home, the pet adapts to he/she who dwells in the house. (I happened to not be in the house for a few weeks!) When I came home, the cat clearly liked my mom and that was the end of it. Funny, because my mom doesn't consider herself a cat person. She really is though - she likes an animal to snuggle for a little while and then be independent - hmmmmmm, not a dog person! Though, she does like dogs. But dogs are a lot of work! (Not trying to offend dog people - we love them as well - and I have dog stories coming!)

Chanel the Cat Checks into a Suite
My parents decided to drive out West - Texas, New Mexico, California and rough it in their luxury motorcoach. At some points, friends were coming with them and they also had their two pets - a "dog" (a yorkie terrier - Shivas) and their cat, Chanel. My dad had heard of this crazy notion (but not so crazy) of putting a cat on a leash. You see, they had me purchase them an expensive cat stroller for one of their birthdays and felt a bit foolish walking around the neighborhood strolling the cat. They were forced to be seen as the crazy couple though because the cat LOVED being strolled around outside and their dog was too lazy and at some point would need to be put in the stroller. Luckily for them, I soon had their first grandchild, so they didn't look too bad - like old people needing babies - but now the kids want to go in the pet stroller, so we are back to crazy town again! Anyway, I ramble. Back to the story.

On this trip, my dad puts a leash on Chanel the cat. Well, Shivas our family dog was thrilled - the cat was humiliated and didn't even know how to walk on that leash! Chanel would eventually walk a little, but kept wondering why his masters expected him to be subservient like the dog - didn't they know cats have long been worshiped and idolized, like in ancient Egypt?! Then again, Chanel's owners were the mayor of Crazytown!

On this trip out West, besides forcing a cat on a leash, they also decided that there wasn't enough room in the luxury RV with their friends, so did they:
a. get a hotel room for themselves
b. shoot the dog and eat him for dinner - 2 birds with one stone
c. get the cat his own hotel room
d. all of the above

If you guessed "C", you are correct! Yes ladies and gentleman, the CAT had his own hotel room, for his own comfort. And its the least they could do for him after that leash bit! To make the memory even better and actually is true, the cat....was upgraded to a suite!!!! Chanel the cat had moved up in life, from motorcoach, to leash and finally to a suite in a hotel - which of course the hotel staff had no knowledge who or what they had upgraded. Only in my parents world do humans sleep in an RV and cats in a suite. Meow!

Haiti Earthquake Jan 2010

Humanity has a long way to go. A massive earthquake strikes Haiti and while there is tons of compassion and help coming there way, there are also stupid people out there saying they deserve this. He who is sinless cast the first stone....

Not only that, it is so sad the feeling of helplessness one gets. You donate to the Red Cross, or other places - DOES it get there? What is the hold up? I wish I knew the true answer. And if the world were a perfect place, we wouldn't be fighting each other, so we WOULD have the resources and man power to send to Haiti. So sad - the volunteers that do arrive, arrive to no structure. I hope this all ends soon and the Haitians get some real relief, well organized - soon! It can't come soon enough to the man, woman, child who has hours to live - that is someone's loved one.

And I hope the looters, criminals and violence will end abruptly....I am shocked and angered that they would not organize for good instead of evil. A band of them together would surely help in the name of good and setting up some sort of structure. But who knows how desperation turns people? I would hope that is not how I would ever be.

God Bless Haiti and I hope you all receive the help and comfort you need soon. I can't even imagine. I think of my 2 sons and hug them even more dearly.

We are taught early to color within the lines.....

Disclaimer: I ramble a bit in this one...sorry!

Fear of the unknown, so lets do the same thing over and over again. This mentality is why I LOVE to travel to other countries who seem to embrace creative expression. SURE, those Harajuku girls in Japan look a bit outlandish - fashionable and laughable...but they give me a break from the monotony of looking at typical dress. I love London...you see everything there and for me, an early to bed type of gal, I can stay up all night just taking everything in!

The point of this rant and rave? Probably none. I am not at all saying go crazy people, normalcy does rock! But sometimes, we need to sneak in a little fun and laugh at ourselves!

Case in point, in my involvement in the community. People wonder....WHY are numbers down? Well, the economy not being so great, but if you are going to ask people to SPEND - give them something they don't expect! I go to certain events - its the same thing - cheap wine, bad food, typical entertainment - blah, blah, blah. Now, I pay the same amount and get less. I certainly LOVE to support my community, especially in time of need - but I wish for a little creativity and open mindedness!

I am just venting because I wanted the Gals (Drag Queens) from Hamburger Mary's to call out an auction - they call out Bingo and Trivia and ARE HILARIOUS! If I had THEM asking me for money, I think I'd give more! They remind me of Paula Deen, the Chef... (not in looks), but in attitude - very rambunctious, spunky and FUN! I am not saying anything political here - gay rights for you ultra-conservatives - just fun. Though, I believe in taxing everyone - even gays!! (Pro Marriage for everyone.) But my friends thought they would be JUST TOO MUCH. I understand, but sometimes I feel like society gets very bland tasting. Because nothing else special was planned.

I don't believe in tearing anyone apart - Conservative/Liberal/Middle - I agree with all points, and there is usually a place for everything. (Even for people who like to stay within the boundaries of the BOX....they KEEP ME GROUNDED when I need it!)

Anyway, when you see cases of people just relaxing - School teachers shaving their heads if everyone in class gets an "A", a Mayor of the city walking across a state for votes...AND events which feature something new and unexpected, usually people are surprised and talk about the night as a great memory! I guess I have a weird sense of humor - blame Chevy Chase, who was my idol growing up. And it seems, a good family man as well?! I hope!

Just don't lose too much of your imagination and childhood, people! Grow up, but occasionally re-visit your crazy, wrap/roll a house side of you!!

January 2010 - Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year - 2010! I am thankful for my 35 wonderful years on this planet - I turn 35 on January 3! I have been blessed with 2 encouraging parents, a supportive and funny brother (Garrett), a dear husband and 2 smart, sassy and amazing young sons (Colin & Hayden), the best pets in the entire world, great friends and family members and experiences that have made my world an interesting and exciting place to live. I wish for peace, prosperity, health, happiness and an inviting future for everyone.

In my life right now (in no particular order):

1. Still LOVE going out with the ladies!! (Glasses of wine and good stories.)
2. Focus on the economy and Orlando.....the Junior League is trying to stamp out hunger in children and in our community and I'm aiming to join that fight. It really becomes a reality when you see "normal" people suffering - it gives it a face...and a harsh realization that this can literally happen to YOU, to anyone. There is no reason for this - we as a community need to stand as one and help our fellow man, children and ourselves....

Contribute your volunteer hours and cash/food to the Coalition for the Homeless, 2nd Harvest Food Bank and the Junior League of Greater Orlando. Or find your own medium to contribute!
3. Dad's prostate cancer - lets stamp it out! He's golfing everyday...so he's battling it the best way possible!
4. Potty Training....we are not doing our best!

We had a wonderful New Year's Eve with our friends at our house! Rob, my husband, was very successful at "saving" the large amount of beers we had left over. MOVE OVER kid's lunches and snack foods- dad needs to make room for the alcohol! We all have our priorities! Just kidding, the kids snacks are still in there, but squished in between Coors Light and Becks Dark. The kids also attended, stayed up past bedtime and played a lovely New Years Tune on their horns. Okay, it wasn't lovely, but it was fun! And after midnight, we went downtown and had a few drinks. Oh wait, this is New Year's 2010 I am discussing, not New Year's 2000....we crashed at midnight! Give us a few more years where we don't have to wake up at 6am with Blue's Clue's...then maybe we'll get our party back on!