CONGRATS WILLIE!

I am working on a cool website for the Celiac Shack--a gluten-free store. Here's the logo I designed.

AND!!

Willie auditioned for the High School band director to see where he will be placed next year. He made Wind Ensemble! A very prestigious honor for an incoming freshman.

In the meantime Dylan is ripping up the guitar. He can play a killer version of Social Distortion's "Story of My Life."

GREEN DRINKS

I was honored to design a logo for Mydols' lead singer April Boyle. April is working with the international movement Green Drinks and is coordinating an event.

She says:

"The event is an informal gathering of folks that are interested in meeting up to discuss "green" or sustainability topics. I envision it to be an opportunity to network and also build community. It is important for our region to become more aware of the cost and environmental benefits of engaging a more sustainable lifestyle and way of doing business."

PREACHER CREATURE STRIKES ON SUNDAY

One of the great joys of being a "mom" blogger is getting sneak peaks at cool and interesting products for moms and kids. I recently received a copy of "Preacher Creature Strikes on Sunday" by Mike Thaler to review.

As a busy mom, the first chance I got to read it was driving to Willie's soccer practice. NO! I didn't read it while I was driving. I had Willie read it to me. We both got a big kick out of it. It's very cute and funny--with a twist.

It's a playful look at CHURCH! That's right, I used playful and Church in the same sentence. It gives kids who complain about long sermons, readings and stiff pews a reason to get excited about Sunday mornings. Kids will love how the author explains religious traditions and moms will too. It'll all make crazy, unbelievable sense to everyone at the end of this very--as Willie put it--"creative" read.

Check out Mike Thaler at http://www.mikethaler.com/.

JIMMY FALLON

So I went out of town for a few days with my family and a couple of the kids' friends. We went to Ontario. We happened to arrive the same day Obama did and it was HUGE news. It was amazing to watch the coverage. I think Canadians like him more than me. NAW! Nobody likes him more than me except for maybe Michelle.



On Thursday I was very honored to participate in a conference call with Jimmy Fallon. He talked about his upcoming show--Late Night with Jimmy Fallon--with a handful of reporters or the media elite as I like to call us. Ha ha.

Ok. Our phone in Canada is one step away from being a can on a string. No we don't have to climb a telephone pole but we do have a PARTY line. Before we talk we have to speak to an operator and give her our phone number. It's very old-fashion. Oh, and it's a rotary dial phone, so you can imagine my disappointment when I was told to press *1 if I had a question. No can do--so I had to listen to other reporters. Luckily they were VERY prepared and had some good questions.

One of the most anticipated aspects of the show is the house band--The Roots. A lot of excitement there. (I think the Mydols were probably his second choice.) Jimmy also talked about some upcoming guests we can expect, how he met his wife (very sweet story) and how he landed the job from Lorne Micheals. Oh and he talked about Tina Fey which was a big bonus for me. Love her.

After having produced ONE episode of Mydols.TV, the thing I was most interested in was how he prepares for his now job. He gave lots of insight. He's very thoughtful--that's a big thing for a mom like me. He also is going to be doing a lot of stand up--staying in touch with real people.

I was pretty impressed with him and I can't wait to see the show. Oh one more thing--he's young and he's in tune with how the Internet works and how much time people spend on it. So look for him to have a really cool website. In fact check it out right now: http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/ and then go clean your room.

PUZZLED

Last night we went to my mom's house and we brought a puzzle of St. Peter's with us. It pretty much took all night to make. (We left at 10:00 PM with just the sky left to do--my mom finished it at 11:50 PM.) It's funny how something so simple can be soooooo relaxing.

This morning The Mydols had band practice at 9:00 AM. Laura had candy for everyone and Johnny made us all Valentines. It seemed like grade school all over. It was so sweet. We learned a couple of new songs and since April is in Chicago---I sang! And I really loved it. Better hurry back April!! I was ready to chuck my guitar to the wind.

After practice I went to FLIP Salon in Ferndale and got my hair chopped off. It's chin lengh now and it is so cute. I love my new look. When Barack says we need CHANGE--I listen!

I also checked out Flirty Fashions in Rochester today. WOW WOW WEE WOO. That store ROCKS!! I LOVED it.

We're off to the other Grandma's tonight for stir fry. I LOVE my family. Family equals LOVE!

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

I am really excited to announce that we will be filming the first episode of Mydols.TV at Leon and Lulu's in Clawson. We are scheduled to roll on Monday. We're bringing lights, cameras, crew and we'll tape right in the store while it's open! I can't wait. Please visit http://www.leonandlulu.com/ and check out this fabulous furniture store.

You'll be able to watch the show on the Community Media Network in March.

Thank you Mary Liz for your generosity.

MY WEEKEND

On Friday afternoon the Mydols had a meeting with Bob Brown of Purple Rose Films. It was certainly interesting and thought provoking. I was hoping for answers, but I was left asking myself a lot of questions about my life and the choices I make. But that is good. Thinking is good.

Friday night I had a group of folks come over--about 10 people. We hosted an Organizing for America meeting and we all watched a video with Gov. Tim Kaine answering questions about the Stimulus Plan. It's the first such meeting I have organized and I really didn't know any of the people who came to my house (except for Tracy and Tom) but I was really happy with the outcome. It was such a nice group and a group committed to CHANGE. I feel empowered to speak out and it's a great feeling.

On Saturday, I was the inspirational speaker at the Antioch Lutheran Church in Farmington Hills. I was asked by a co-worker and I was so honored. I spoke about the Epiphany and what it means to me and I was an emotional mess. I was so embarrassed as I gave my teary-eyed speech but I truly believe in following your star wherever it may lead. I think God has plans for all of us--big plans. I don't necessarily think God wants me to be a Rock Star but when I look back at all the fundraisers the Mydols have played I begin to see a pattern. Like today, the Mydols are playing at a fundraiser for Colin Hubbell at the Magic Stick. Unfortunately I will NOT be there. I twisted my ankle at my soccer game today. I am more than a little nervous. I have not seen a doctor. I am going to wait until tomorrow and see what kind of pain/swelling I have. I am hoping I'll be ok. I'll be bummed if I broke anything. Well time to lie down some more.

MOMMY COOLEST

Here's what I did during the Super Bowl...I made two purses and a tote. I got the pattern, instructions, and the material at Haberman's Fabric in Royal Oak. I am by no means an expert seamstress and these were so easy and inexpensive to make.

I used the tote last night to schlep my band gear. The Mydols recorded video for three songs. I can't wait to get into the editing suite and look at them. Much thanks goes out to our wonderful crew: Joe, Keith, Tom and my son Dylan.

Bob Brown from Purple Rose Films also stopped by as well as Tony, Carter and Gram. It was a great way to have spent my birthday!

I SCORED THE WINNING GOAL!

On the eve of my birthday I scored the winning goal! And it was a header...into my own net! YIKES! Oh well, a goal is a goal--even if it's against your own team. (Plus I have an excuse. I'm old!)

Speaking of old, I forgot to mention that our new drummer, Laura, trained me yesterday at the Royal Oak Gym. Laura is ripped and she worked me really hard. Too bad it was upper body so I can't use it as an excuse for my dismal soccer performance.

On to sewing! I can't wait to get started making some of the fabulous things I learned at Haberman's today.

BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT!

My sons gave me the best birthday gift. They took their "report card" money (they both got straight As) and bought me enrollment into a Super Bowl Party at Haberman Fabrics where I learned to make a wrap, tote bag and lovely handbag. All are super easy to assemble. I can't wait to make 'em all!

I off to my soccer game!