TOP 10 LESSONS LEARNED: ACL 2005

The Top Ten list would not really hold a lot of water without a little bit of back story. In the fateful fall of 2005 my bestie Pris and I made our way to Austin, TX for three days of live music, otherwise known as, Austin City Limits. Whittled from an e-mail I sent to a friend shortly after the festival, here is a quick recap:

FESTIVAL FASHION 102

Unfortunately, Lollapalooza 2010 was not an impressive year for Festival Fashion folks, but in an effort to follow up
last year's post here goes...there may be more ranting than raving this time around!

ONE YEAR LATER. . .

It's hard to believe a year has gone by since we unpacked our Penske and embarked on a new life in the grand city of Chicago. What amazing things take place in only 365 days, big and small.

I have come a long way from the fearful smalltownista paying for my first solo cab ride with sweaty palms. Hopping the Red Line is no longer an anxiety riddled experience, but a daily occurance which allows me to read my newest book in peace, well minus the gospel ranting rider and the occassional stranger animately and feverently talking to themselves.

DEAR CHICAGO

Dear Chicago,

You're a rascal.  I must admit I was leery of you at first, but you have proven yourself to be very kind indeed.

I knew that opportunity was abundant in your fair city, but was unaware I would be fortunate enough to find my perfect fit.  Leaving my previous business behind was a difficult task and left me unsure that I would find anything at all comparable. Enter... Pelle Sana Salon with its eloquent owner, charming physique, and heaps of character, it's precisely what I was seeking. Suffice it to say, I have found my dream job.

WHAT I'M LOVING WEDNESDAY: WELLIES

What did sufferers of Chicago slush storms ever do without wellies?  So glad I did not have to find out.  Thus far, my wellies have been the most useful purchase of the year, of my first year in Chi Town to boot. 

My friend, the very talented artist, JlWren recently pointed out how inviting it is to revert back to childhood puddle jumping while sporting a pair of wellies.  How true it is.  The city seems to be alive with child like grown ups mulling up and down the streets awaiting the next great puddle.  Even if they are not expecting it.

I have certainly fallen victim to what I refer to as 'black slush', similar to 'black ice' back home in Arkansas, black slush can be pretty tricky.  It likes to blend into the pavement, especially the pavement in the mouth of a crosswalk.  Do you see where I am going with this?  Yep, you think you are stepping off the curb onto the street, but alas, you plunk down into 6 inches of slush instead.  Black slush is a tricky beast indeed and would be quite dangerous, not to mention gross, if not for lovely protective rubber footwear. 

My advice to smalltownistas and city dwellers everywhere, strap on a pair of stylish wellies, wait for the next round of rain, and get to puddle jumping.

Toodles from one wellie loving Smalltownista

DEAR CHICAGO

You'll never guess . . . just kidding, I am not going to sing one of my 'too many to list' favorite Ryan Adams numbers. What was I saying? Oh yes.

Dear Chicago,

You are forever fabulous with your seemingly endless array of music venues, superb shopping as far as the eye can see, and enticing eateries on every corner. But why must I always be disheveled by your unyielding winds? I am on to your charm sir.

A SMALLTOWNISTA IN THE CITY

Welcome to day in the life of the not so fabulous. Transferring my aesthetician license is taking considerably longer than I planned and I sort of need to be legal to work in the state of Illinois before I set out into the job market. After scheduled travels and lovely visitors it seems my days are filled with, well, nothing. Nothing except wallowing, I mean where are my little dive bars with my beloved bartenders (Jimmy & Brett) that never shun me for ordering NA brewskies. Where are my bearings and where is my friggin’ car (my gypsy wagon, storage unit, & quite respite from the world)? Where are my girls, my besties that keep me grounded and sane? Where is my large winding crooked tree that makes up my ridiculously fantastic family? All back home in my small town, that’s where. But I am moving on from the ‘whoa is me’ outlook and upon further dissection I realize that I have filled my days thus far with some positive trends. Here are some hints if you happen upon massive amounts of free time.

AW SHUCKS, COUNTRY DONE COME TO TOWN!

My signature tag line when I go on holiday in the city. (Bringing holiday back in place of vacay, it's so very festive, don't you think). Well, country has come to town for good as the hubs and I make the permanent trek to Chi Town.

Now, I am not implying we are somehow akin to the Beverly Hillbillies. I mean all of our junk is in a covered wagon, Penske truck, whatever. May as well be a spaceship because I feel like I am moving to the moon.

Life in the city is fascinating, but I never expected to live it. I am a small town girl at heart, Smalltownista that is. But what is life if not overflowing with the unexpected and I am excited to embark on an adventurous journey. Excited indeed!

Future posts are sure to keep you abreast of all the beauty and distress to accompany this transition.


A big toodles to you and to life as I knew it.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]