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Never Forget

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

Love this endeavor. Honoring those who serve. We can say hello, thank you, God bless you–by writing a letter. They fight for us; we can say thank you. And we don’t deserve anything in return, but we still get something. This program, Letters for Lyrics, simply involves writing a letter to a soldier and scoring a free music CD (a partnership between Dodge Ram and Zac Brown Band!)

I got a comment on one of my videos a few weeks ago (the one with Navy guys riding on camels) and I thought for a minute I had a real pen-pal in the military! But I haven’t heard from him since. Oh well, maybe I’ll send a letter through this organization called Operation Gratitude. This website gives you several ways to get involved!

While I’m wearing my patriotic hat (which is every day), wanted to share this eye-catching pic my dad sent to me.

Oh, look! Still got the patriotic hat on :)   The new Veteran’s Memorial in North Little Rock at Laman Library is asking for submissions of local men and women who were killed in action. You can go here to submit your soldier’s name. Hopefully after reading this post, you can do something good for fellow Americans. Because, the Lord knows there are other Americans doing so much more for you.

Stars and Stripes

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O.P.I Hearts Ogre

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

Because cross-promotion is inevitable when it comes to Hollywood and new things and fashion and celebrities and all that glitter…why was I surprised when I learned the new Shrek movie has found it’s way to nail polish? What? That’s right. O.P.I. has debuted a new collection especially for the summer movie “Shrek Forever After”. With a bold blue called “Ogre-The-Top-Blue” and a slimy, snotty shade of “Who the Shrek Are You?” it’s definitely, mmmm unusual. O.P.I is the brand so well-known for the creative names they give all shades of their popular polish. (It may be pricier than some, but it’s long-lasting and strong) Though so many trends and fads stick around for a while in the spotlight, I bet these don’t fly off the shelves, much less stay around as classics. They’ll be just popular enough to catch the attention of teens and make enough money to make it worth it for O.P.I We’re used to movie toys in our Happy Meals (what? They DO still put toys in them, right?) and of course commercials during favorite TV shows…but nail polish? And guess what? They did this with Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” this spring! “Off With Her Red” anybody?! I guess it can’t hurt…no pun intended.

Purrrrrrty Polish perhaps?

Now, question: What shade of polish would you create and what would you name it? With their best-selling “I’m Not Really A Waitress” and “Cajun Shrimp” I’m guessing the guys and gals over at O.P.I. could surely use a little  creative juice to refuel every now and then. Because, you know, that new movie’s coming out this fall and they’re going to need catchy names…

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Maybe I Should Write…After All

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

I heard from a fan who thinks I should. Below is an email I got this week. Thank you for the support and admiration ;)

Lauren:

Week after week your page 3 gems sparkle and delight, and stand as the sole justification for opening The Sync.  Report?  Please, not that only, not for ever and ever.  Really, truly write!  Create!  Pen a book!  Your readers are waiting to devour your clever, insightful, deliciously intelligent first best seller.

Though I jest at this one (and rare) encouraging voice from a stranger, I will admit: It may be surprising to some, but I have tossed around the idea of writing a book. With all the mysterical, fantastical, hysterical, juicy, frightening and intriguing things that I find myself thinking about? I feel I’d have something readers could enjoy. (That’s what they ALL say!)

Do you ever have the urge, the pull to pen a book? What would be the subject matter? Where would be your favorite place to do your deep thinking, your creative writing?

Til the day comes I choose to wrangle my thoughts into a bound project, I’ll just randomly share them here with you and on the above mentioned Staff Page of Sync Weekly. Hope you’ll be blessed by something you read, whether by  me or any of the truly talented fellow staffers. Sync’s proudly celebrating our 3 year anniversary this month…and looking forward to many more stories!

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Wonders…and Wonder

Saturday, May 15th, 2010

What a whirlwind this world is. Or is it just my world? No, it’s everyone’s. Not to sound like Delilah, but I hope you remember to enjoy the little wonders every day with which you’re blessed. I try to remind myself to do the same.

Sunday I had a first-time experience. I met a man, we’ll call him “Steve”, and told him my name. Just one sentence, that’s all I said. And he (after one question) recognized by my voice as “Lauren from Sync”, accrediting my weekly radio appearance on 103.7 The Buzz. His sense of hearing has been finely-tuned since losing his eyesight, he reminded me, and I couldn’t help but enjoy the rest of our conversation a little bit more than just “any ol’ chat.”

Thursday in the studio while playing birthday trivia (a regular segment of the show) I was reminded of that man. One of the birthday celebs was Stevie Wonder. I put on my sunglasses and did my best impersonation (meanwhile incorrectly guessing his age.) We all know the talented, blind, singer-songwriter, activist for some signature characteristics. Perhaps it’s his dreadlocks you think of, or a hit song, or all the awards he boasts. I think of a man who didn’t let what most of us would consider a huge impairment (blindness) stop him from living and enjoying life.

I didn’t win birthday trivia. I hardly ever do. But I was rewarded with this: a reminder of how much I rely on my sense of sight and not to take it for granted. It is a small wonder of the blessing of life. For those who can’t see, for “Steve” and Stevie, this post’s for you.

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It’s All His Anyway

Monday, May 10th, 2010

Since Nashville was underwater last week, I was looking online  for ways to help/donate. Research took me through different organizations, blogs and news stations’ websites and I was trying to choose the best. Then I was hit with a thought: Money is money is money. A donation in a basket while sitting on the church pew Sunday morning is the same money as dropping a check in the mail to some long distance address (*assuming you do your research and it’s a trustworthy company–leaving that part up to you) $10 added to a phonebill via texting a special number is equal to $10 you put in the office collection or spend on cookies at a bake sale benefit. I skimmed over multiple options of where one could donate ranging from nationally known organizations to small community outreaches. I see facebook groups and I hear about churches’ special contributions.

It’s all God’s. All these blessings he’s given to us to share with others…it’s all God’s. It’s the epitome of “What goes around comes around.”  He blesses me, shares with me and calls on me to share it with others around me. I caught myself saying “Oh I don’t want to donate there, I’ll give it to this one over here…” I can’t help but laugh a bit. (We all do it, though.) Why? If it’s good work here, it’s good work 5 miles down the road. Giving a little girl a new shirt is just as good as helping an old man purchase gas.

I choose not to share specific links to any chosen donation sites because I want you to do your own work. (And I think you’ll be happy to see how many there are to choose from!)

Luke 12:48 “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”

If that’s true (which I firmly believe it is) then I have a lot to be giving to somebody. Which outlet I choose is the task. Just as long as I choose one (or some) That’s what matters. Because it’s all His anyway.

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One-Two-ACHOO!

Monday, April 5th, 2010

We’d gathered for the traditional Easter pictures. We got our typical shots of the different groupings: The grandparents, cousins, siblings, immediate families, parents, the “She’s our only daughter/granddaughter who’s not married yet” picture (who me? what?)  I selfishly requested one of me with my 5 nieces and nephew. So with the kids hungry, ready for play clothes and egg hunting, I snatched up 2 month old Sophia, we wrangled the rest and my parents (their grandparents) bribed them as most adults with cameras do occasionally. With three cameras to smile for, we were ready.

My brother Trey’s camera first. One-two-ACHOO! Brett sneezed. We chuckled. He wiped his nose and we tried again. One-two-ACHOO. Another sneeze, on three! Are you kidding me? Well, Dad’s turn with another camera. One-two-three. Click. No sneeze. No problem. Trey tries again. One-two-ACHOO! Brett sneezes again.

One-Two-ACHOO!

Rubbing his nose he blames the pollen but by this time the 3 photographers and I are just laughing. What are the odds he sneezed on three, all three times on that same camera?! Maybe it’s more than pollen he’s allergic to.

In the end, we got this great shot. And a “great shot” with 5 kids ALL looking and smiling at the camera is, well, nothing to sneeze at :)

My little bunnies and me. Priceless.

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Chopsticks and Cherokees

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

A random combination, none the less. But hey, it’s Friday. It’s the Easter weekend. And, well, it’s my blog. Enjoy.

Below is what I found on the wrapper of my chopsticks last week at dinner with my family. I copy/pasted the exact words as they were printed on the wrapper. The capitalization is exact. Our family had a laugh then I stuck the wrapper in my purse.

“Welcome to Chinese Restaurant please try your Nice Chinese Food With Chopsticks the traditional typical of Chinese glorious history and cultural.”

What?

I thought I’d help you out in case you needed “Using Chopsticks 101″ but this is actually more confusing than informative … and more humorous.

Now I just want sushi. This little note below is something from my brother I just loved and wanted to share with you.

TWO WOLVES
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle  that goes on inside people.
He said, “My  son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

“One is Evil – It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed,  arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false  pride, superiority, and ego.
“The other is Good – It is  joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence,  empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”
The  grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his  grandfather: “Which wolf wins?”
The old Cherokee simply  replied, “The one you  feed.”

Now, I know which one I’m going to feed. Speaking of, excuse me while I go find some Peeps. And eat them with chopsticks.

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More Prune Juice, Ma’am?

Saturday, March 6th, 2010

Not that I’ve ever tried it (prune juice, that is). Though, I love prunes so I may actually enjoy it. Alas, I’m feeling old this week. Not that one week from another makes a huge difference. But things that have happened in the past few days make me feel… “seasoned” (That doesn’t sound as harsh as “old” right?)

A few nights ago I was driving and surfing radio stations when I ended up settling on “The Delilah Show” which airs on our local B98.5 station. She’s the 40-something who has nothing but positive things to say in her lovey, soothing, mellow dramatic voice. And I left it there. On the station I wouldn’t have even considered listening to just 3 years ago. I left it there and I enjoyed it.

I periodically get out of bed in the morn with some sort of pain. I notice people passing me on the interstate more often. No matter the time of day or which direction I’m driving. *This could be a good thing and the result of my past speeding tickets teaching me a lesson.

I called my Maw to say hello. She was “putting on her face” After a few minutes of small talk, she told me “…Don’t do any burlesque shows.” HA! Thank you, Maw, for the advice. I hadn’t planned on it. I asked her how she’s feeling and she replied “Well, I can tell I’ve had a few birthdays…”

I reminded her that it’s almost time for the annual Jonquil Festival at Old Washington State Park and I have fond memories of being there with her and Paw. I’m anticipating a visit home soon, which will include a few hours at her house. I wonder if she likes prune juice.

Jonquils. We call them Buttercups where I come from.

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That’s Not Spring Cleaning…That’s Leaving Cleaning

Friday, March 5th, 2010

I’m sitting here with the sunshine shining outside and work plans for tonight but “tonight” is not here so I must keep busy til it’s time to leave for my evening party pics. But I interrupt this afternoon to bring you a quick note. The people around me are not completely engulfed in work, I witness. One of them is Shannon. She is the talented photographer who has been at Sync since its inception. And she’s cleaning out her desk. She’s moving on. She’s going to  New York City, y’all. (Go ahead and say it in that country accent from the salsa commercial “NEW YORK CITY?!”)  Well, not NYC but Brooklyn. Like, she’s leaving tomorrow. She just passed off some Saltine crackers and oatmeal she found in her desk to fellow coworkers. (Hey, where’s mine?)

Hey, I'm cleaning out my desk. Hungry?

A special lunch at Iriana’s Pizza in the Rivermarket was held to say “farewell and good luck” today. We just now reminisced about the first day we ever met: at a restaurant, just a few days before I joined the Sync staff… awkward and funny. Now she’s laughing at the unused office supplies that have been in her desk since 2007. What’s that smell? Ohhh the cleaning wipes to make her desk spic and span. Nearby trashcan is packed with, obviously, unimportant papers and documents.

I don’t know who’ll occupy that desk in the next few weeks, nor do I know what my soon-to-be-ex-coworker will be doing when she says farewell to Little Rock. But I know these two things for sure: 1. She’s added to my itch to do some cleaning of my own, and 2. I hope she finds NY is as cool a place as Little Rock to explore, enjoy and share her talent. Because that’s what she’s going for in the first place.

Oh, and maybe she’ll send me one of these. But I doubt it.

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At the End of the Day 03.02

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

Perhaps my readers (yes, all 3 of you) might enjoy a  little update on me. If not, grin and bear it, or just click that little “x” in the top right corner of this screen.

I’ve been busy with work as usual. That tends to be my motto, but I also firmly believe we make time for what we want to make time for. We’ve all got the same amount of time in a week as everybody else. And the past few weeks I can’t help but think of that saying (and song) that says “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” Soooo, I’m purposely and accidentally adding spice to my life in ways that I can. If you have suggestions, please send them my way.

I’ve scored a small part in a movie and this is my first official movie role. The movie is “Step Away from the Stone” locally produced and shot in Central Arkansas. Their facebook page is here should you want info and to keep up with the production. I’m honored and excited to be part of the magic. And I dare say, I’ve been bitten by “the bug”. I didn’t want Director Bill to call “scene” when he did last week… :)

So, I’ve officially informed you. You may see updates from now on. Who knows? I’m so glad March is here. Unlike January, I actually enjoy February, but never get tired of that fresh feeling of changing the calendar to a new month. This month I’m looking forward to the following: Singing the National Anthem at the Diamonds football game, having dinner or at least sofa-talk with my great friend Heather, going home to see my new niece Sophia who I have not seen since the day she was born, buying some land, making progress on a personal website and not wearing a jacket when I leave the house.

Some things I’ve learned recently:

I’ve learned bananas reduce joint pain. I love and regularly eat bananas and don’t really notice joint pain…but also can’t say I have joint pain when I don’t eat them, because they’re part of my weekly diet.

Human fetuses are considered a delicacy in Vietnam. Yes, this came up in a conversation I had with some new friends last week. We just happened to be talking about…odd…things.

Sometimes I agree with that “right place, right time” thing… I went from being a nurse to a brain surgeon in the time it took a movie producer to make a phone call :)

Signing off now. I’ve got to make a Kroger run before I start my night… at the end of the day.

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