Halloween '08

More to come...

Who am I?

Wordless Wednesday

**Famous**

I made the front page!
They love me on Times Square...
Somewhere in Russia...
Even Paris knows me!

And the fashion world reads about me...


Who knew?!

The play, the play!

So, as I have mentioned before, I am in a play this coming Christmas season. Go here to purchase tickets. Remember, if you want to see me in it, I am in it on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday matinees. A lot of them are sold out, so hurry quick and buy them! It is not to be missed for the season.

Gracias and good luck!

Sean has been reviewed

My brother Sean, a.k.a. "Definit" is a writer of raps. He's amazing, actually. Check out a review they did for his most recent album "Definit is not here". You'll find the review here.

Megan's big b-day (yesterday)!

(Pictured with her two handsome sons Kalin and little Kai)

Dearest Megan, Mekana, Meg-ster, Big Sistah -

I love you because you are:

Giving (of everything you have)
Kind
Considerate (of everyone)
Accepting (almost to a fault)
Loving of absolutely everyone
Forgiving (I could learn a thing or two)
Generous
Non-Judgemental
Quick to laugh
Quick to fake-smile for a photo (family joke)
Patient

My big sister amazes me all the time. Not only is she all of these things above, but she is so much more that I simply don't have room for. She is one of the most kind and genuine human beings I know. She has been through her fair share in life, and I'm amazed sometimes that she has the strength to keep going. She does, however. She doesn't look back (like some may), but she keeps going, and for this I know she'll be blessed. Love you Megs!

The hills are alive...

...well, dying really. However, the end of Summer brings my favorite season, of which I've spoken many times. Today I felt like Maria Von Trapp and felt the mountains beckon, and wanted to climb to the highest peak and break out into song and dancing (twirling, really). I answered the call and took a drive through the canyon and once again enjoyed the amazing Fall foliage. I've noticed that the mountains have seemed almost brown recently, and was saddened that perhaps my favorite season had ended while I was on the east coast. Not so. It seems as though they have sprouted color again just for me. I can't express the wonder I feel when I am within them. Nothing could adequately express it. Since I am not much of a photographer, I decided to add some of my photographer sister's pictures of Fall color. Check her out at: shannonhaddenphotography.blogspot.com

Gift of the Gab

I'm a talker. I am. I admit it. Some days I realize it more than others. Why am I this way? Was it a pre-disposition inherited from my talker of a mother? Or maybe because I kissed the Blarney Stone twice? Could be. Yesterday I realized just how much of a talker I am as I was chatting it up with a co-worker. Not only do I talk, but sometimes I have no idea where this talking is going. I rarely end up with the subject with which it originated. When this happens, it drives me absolutely crazy (however, I secretly hope the person with whom I am speaking doesn't really notice). And so it was yesterday. I would start with one subject, then before I even finished a thought - I was on to another! Sheesh! Dear Friends, thank you for being my friend - though I talk, talk, and talk more. I know it can be annoying, because sometimes there will be someone that talks my head off too! Bless us all, but mostly, bless you for listening.

Carolina of the North

Hangin' in Huntersville (just outside of Charlotte) with my homey nephews Gavin and Ryan. Caiti and Kurt decided to take a long needed vay-cay to Sweden, so Shannon and I are holding down the fort in the yellow house. I'm only here until Monday, then Shannon is taking the reins all by her lonesome until next Friday (eeks, I fear for her). Nah, she'll do great. I'm sure she'd rather have her husband here, or any kind of adult, however. She tends to be... afraid.
Tomorrow we're taking a short, but long-awaited day trip to Asheville to see the luscious Fall leaves. They are not at their peak here in Charlotte, but I've been told it looks pretty darn amazing near the Blue Ridge Parkway. The leaves pull me; they beckon me to come. I must answer the call.

Pictures to come!

Lost in translation

Hi Friends,

So, today I went to El Pollo Loco for some tacos (excellent, btw). After I had finished my meal, I decided to take a tasty cup of Flan home for later. Upon ordering, the cashier asked my name. I spelled out E-R-I-N for him, and when I got the ticket, I realized this is what he actually heard.

Bless his wee little heart.

Conference Weekend

Every 6 months, the LDS church holds its world-wide General Conference. It is always the same time of year, Fall and Spring (which just happen to be my top two seasons). I always look forward to inspiring talks from our leaders, singing from the Mo-Tab (Mormon Tabernacle Choir) and a renewal of spirit. However, I also look forward to spending time with family and taking the traditional drive into the Provo Canyon only minutes from my house in between sessions. Conference usually brings with it lovely weather, but every now and then we have what some might call bad weather. I call it heaven. Yesterday I woke up to the sound of rain outside my window, which of course meant I got to stay in my cozy bed and do absolutely nothing but watch conference! Oh, how I love it! Of course I love a sunny day, but there is something about a rainy day that enchants me. I think I may have inherited this from my parents :)

Well, today started out rainy, but by the time the first session of conference was over, the sun peaked out through the low lying clouds. This is when I decided to take the much anticipated drive through the Autumn-themed canyon with my nephew Kalin in tow. The trees and shrubs were drenched in pink, red, orange, and yellow. It was absolutely breathtaking! Even Kalin (who shows very little emotion) was impressed. We drove up to Vivian park, then to South Fork where it was raining just a bit. We got out of the car at this point to feel the cool air and rain on our faces. Blissful is the only word I can think to describe it. Truly, it was bliss. I'm amazed at this beautiful earth, and give thanks that I can enjoy its wonders every day.
Here is a pic of Kalin and I at Vivian Park. He's only 13, and he's taller than me!
A lovely weekend, indeed. How was yours?

Optical Illusion...

Wow, I'm cracking up already. Doms, this is especially for you, dear cousin. Do enjoy!

Sean-ie is 27 today!

This is how we roll in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona.
Here is Sean on his first trip to Europe in Interlaken, Switzerland.

Handsome Sean.

My dear Brother Sean is completing years today (as translated literally in Spanish). If you know him, you know the wonder that is Sean. You know that he exudes charm, kindness, love, and compassion. You also know that whatever you're going through, he understands. Even if he doesn't, he does his best to be a good listening ear. Sean has been on many journey's. He has learned much in his 27 years, and continues to be humbled by each journey - rocky or smooth. He is the most honest person I know. Honest with himself, honest with others, and honest with God. I trust him implicitly and love him more than I can express on this blog.
Sean is a master of words - as evident in his very personal raps. Yes, I said raps. He's a rapper, and a good one. On his road to recovery, his raps have been journal entries and are inspiring. He amazes me all the time.
Happy Birthday, Seanie boy. Love you!

A mi me encanta la musica

*It has been a really good weekend. It started with the chance to spend some quality time with roommates and friends Friday night. Melanee got tickets to see a concert at the Conference Center and generously shared with the rest of us. It was called An American Songbook, featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Utah Symphony, with special guests Denyce Graves and Brian Stokes Mitchell. I had never heard of either one of the guests, so I really had no idea what I was in for. Now, friends, for those of you that know me well, you know that music is in my blood. The power of music is inspiring. My words are so weak and can't do my feelings justice, but music can translate what words sometimes cannot. Music blew me over this weekend! I needed a good dose of it, and I certainly got it - in more ways than one.
Brian Stokes Mitchell, a regular on Broadway, sang a stirring rendition of "Some Enchanted Evening", which has always been a favorite. A song is always so much more powerful when the singer first draws you in with their own charm and personality. He was so gracious and so warm with the audience. He remarked that it felt like he was home in his living room with his own friends. This just allowed the audience to feel the warmth in his voice. I don't think there is a voice that has touched my very heart as he did in a very long time. He proceeded to do a 30's and 40's medley, which featured some of the old standards (my faves), such as "The Very Thought of You", and "Embraceable You". His versatility is impressive. Later on in the program, he stirred us again by singing "The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha. I can't even describe in words what I felt, so I'm going to add a video I found of him singing that very song at the Tony Awards back in 2007 and let you enjoy it. I wish I could adequately describe what I felt, but I simply cannot. There are some things that are better felt and described in a tear.
*Saturday morning I went to my first practice for Savior of the World. I have never seen this play that has been running for the past 10 years, but I had a chance to experience the inspired music on Saturday. I can hardly wait for it to begin! I haven't been in a play in years and years and have wanted the experience, but have been taken in by work and life in general. Thanks to my good friend from years past, Rob Abney, for encouraging me to audition. I'm sure it will be life changing, and I am anxious for the experiences it will bring.
*Also, I had the chance to sing in Relief Society today with Marcole. We chose the song "May My Life Reflect Thy Will". It always feels good to sing in church (which I rarely do anymore). I am thankful for the gifts the Lord has blessed me with.
*I feel thankful; thankful that I can be touched by beautiful things like music. I know this all may sound a little cheesy, but since this is my journal, I figure I should share things like this that are important to me. I have to give thanks to mom and dad for sharing their love of music with me and with all of my siblings from day one. So much of what I feel in music stems from happy memories growing up around music and song. Dad playing the guitar, mom teaching us harmony, Dad's passion for singing groups with killer four-part harmonies, and oh-so much more. In short, thanks for the music that's in me.

Twinners at work

It's always a little awkward when you come to work wearing the same thing as a co-worker, but when the co-worker is your friend, it's all good fun. Here is Stefanie and I showing up with our fave blue cardigans ('cuz they just bring out those baby blues so nicely), our white shirt, black pants and glasses (er, not). We must embrace the nerd in all of us, don't you think?!