June 12

One. 
Lily Cole. The leading lady of Heath Ledger's last film, "The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, is both charming and beautiful on screen. With two more motion pictures currently in the making, I expect to see more of Ms. Cole.

Two.
Tennesee Tea. There's a 100 degree heat index today in Nashville, and days like today, there's nothing better than this cold drink on the front porch. Mix some Firefly sweet tea vodka with a little lemonade and enjoy.

Three.
I'm loving Jessica Klingelfuss's fashion photography. Check out her whole portfolio at her website, www.jessicaklingelfuss.com

Four.
A scene from "The Holiday".


Iris: You know, I never really thought I'd say this, literally never, but I think you were absolutely right about us. Very square peg, very round hole.


Jasper: You cannot mean that.


Iris: The great thing is I actually do. And I'm about three years late in telling you this, but nevertheless I need to say it. Jasper, you have never treated me right. Ever.


Jasper: Oh, babe.


Iris: Shush! You broke my heart. And you acted like somehow it was my fault, my misunderstanding, and I was too in love with you to ever be mad at you, so I just punished myself! For years! But you waltzing in here on my lovely Christmas holiday, and telling me that you don't want to lose me whilst you're about to get MARRIED, somehow newly entitles me to say, it's over. This - This twisted, toxic THING between us, is finally finished! I'm miraculously done being in love with you! Ha! I've got a life to start living.

So many of us can relate to Iris. I love when she realizes Jasper is not what she wants, and takes control of her life back. Smart lady.




Five.
With Bonnaroo going on this week, I've been hearing alot of exciting stories and reports from friends that are there. One band I would love to have seen is The Black Keys. They're new album, "Brothers", quickly became a big part of my summer soundtrack.

Six.

I really like that God made lightning bugs. I think we have a lot to learn from lightning bugs. We all have the ability to send light into the world, even though most of us tend to only give it in spurts (just like they do). Sometimes when we are making the effort to shine our light, we can feel unappreciated, unnoticed, or insignificant. But even if we are not seen, our light is. And that is the most important part. And the best thing about it? It is in the darkest part of the night that the light shines the brightest.

June 11

One.
Yesterday, one of my heroes, Conan O'Brien, did a surprise rockabilly concert at Third Man Records, Jack White's store here in Nashville. I'm unbelievably lucky to have been on the front row of this once in a lifetime chance. And the Conan picture featured in my March 13th post? Conan actually took it from my hand and showed it to the audience before signing it and returning it to me. What a day, what a day.
Read more about the event here.

Conan already spreading the love as he arrives at Third Man.

Jack White threw water bottles off the roof to the fans waiting in line to get in.

My locally created Conan painting, post autograph.


Two.
Earlier this week, I was able to be on set at the Country Weekly Fashion Show/Concert Fundraiser. (I'm doing the editing for a piece by Goldsounds Entertainment). Whitney Duncan, who acted in the video, modeled on the runway, and performed for the crowd, really caught my attention with her friendliness, stage presence, and most of all amazing voice. Country fans, check her out at her website, http://www.whitneyduncan.com/

Three. 
"Everyone knows what their roots are, but you've got to explore everywhere. You've got to explore the sky, too." - Mick Jagger. 

Four.

No introduction here, just my favorite Ellen Degeneres of all time. Oh, Gladys.

Watch by clicking HERE. 

Five.

Dan Addington is an incredible artist, who I learned of through Rymer Gallery Nashville. "My paintings often include combinations of anatomical imagery, memorial sculpture, romantic symbolism, and religious iconography", he states on the gallery's website. "Through a mixed use of painterly languages, these works explore a sense of loss, and address mankind's desire to locate spiritual meaning." You can view more his breathtaking works by clicking HERE.

Six. 

I know many of you have probably already seen this, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to watch it again. This little girl is adorable! I think we could all give this a try every now and then too...

Watch the video by clicking HERE.

March 15

One.
Yep, Monday's here. So here's a cheerful thought to start the week on! Don't let the Mondays win.
"This day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays." - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

(photo credit J. Caron)


Two.
Paper Heart. This mockumentary follows Charlyne Yi as she tries to figure out what exactly love is. The story line (also involving Michael Cera... swoon...) is sliced with real life interviews from people all over the country. Favorite city documented - Atlanta. Prepare to be delighted.

Three.
Okay, as a disclaimer, you will either find this next music video either incredibly creepy or incredibly hilarious. Or maybe just plain awesome. Regardless of if you take a liking to the background bikers or not, though, the song is worth listening to. Click here to watch the video for "What's a Girl to Do" by Bats For Lashes.

Four.
Road trip! Tomorrow I'll be hitting the road with my girls Dani and June for SXSW music/film festival in Austin. (So be forgiving if Six Before Breakfast is a little late until Saturday!) Packing, check. Show schedule, check. Best friend I haven't seen in way too long to stay with, check! Now the important things... road trip food. yummm...

Five.
Seriously Texas? You know I love you... but this is frankly embarrassing. The Texas Board of Education just voted to cut Thomas Jefferson out of the textbooks. If this is the road the board is going down, I recommend home schooling. Read more about it by clicking here.

Six. 
Carla Bruni is a French singer, songwriter, and former model. She is now married to French President Nicolas Sarkozy, but once dated Eric Clapton, and then Mick Jagger. Her fourth album is currently in the works, but the first three are even to tide us over until then. Click here to listen to Carla.... I suggest Quelqu'un M'a Dit.

March 14

One.
So You Think You Can Dance is holding auditions for season 7 this week. Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden choreographed this number for So You Think You Can Dance season 6. Kathryn McCormick and Jakob Karr are absolutely incredible... and this may be the most passionate performance I've ever seen. Click here to watch.(photo from www.buddytv.com)

Two. 
Raven + Lily is a non-profit studio dedicated to empowering impoverished women through design partnerships and micro-enterprise opportunities.
Follow them on Twitter, become a fan on facebook or check out their website (www.ravenandlily.com) to learn more about this awesome organization.


Three.
Jhordan Dahl is an artist/curator from Portland. Her most recent curatorial project, White Noise, recently premiered at Worksound - an old warehouse in Portland which is now being used as an art gallery. Both Jhordan and her art are definite attention getters. Learn more here.

Four.
Producer Jon Landau and director James Cameron are in talk of a sequel to Avatar. Also in the brainstorming are several other projects the two are thinking of creating. The one thing they said is certain is that it will be in 3D.

"I don't think we will ever make another 2D film. Why would we make a movie in black and white if we have color? I think ultimately all movies are going to be in 3D" Landau said in an interview with Reuters.

I can only hope his predictions are wrong. Honestly, I think 3D movies are kind of cheesy... but I guess we'll just wait and see what this pair comes up with next.

(photo credit Mario Anzuoni)

Five.

Quote of the day:

"Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can't practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage." - Maya Angelou

(Photo from deviant art)

Six.

Now it's time to take the song that's been stuck in my head all day and put it into yours. Luckily, once again, it's one that I not only don't mind but really enjoy. "Miss You" by the Rolling Stones"... oooh oooh oooh oooh oooh oooh oooh.

Listen and watch the video here!

March 13

One.
Eagle vs. Shark. Jemaine Clement (from Flight of the Conchords) stars in this awkward, yet endearing, love story from New Zealand. Boy meets girl at a "Dress Like Your Favorite Animal" party (hence the title) and begin the most uncomfortable-to-watch relationship to date. Dead pan humor fans, you will be pleased.

Two.
One of my favorite things about moving to Nashville has been all of the shows going on constantly. I'm up to my ears in new music, which is not a complaint by any means. One of my favorite performances lately was Nashville's Natalie Prass. Check out her EP and other music here: http://www.myspace.com/natalieprass (photo courtesy of her myspace)

Three.
Yesterday I got a surprise that made my day. If you're unaware, I am a huge Conan O'brien fan. The Belcourt Theater recently hosted a lot of hand drawn prints for sale, and a special somebody picked this one up for me. It's titled "Conan is Angry At You". And Conan now lives on my dresser.

Four.
Happy birthday Jack Kerouac! (1922).


"I hope it is true that a man can die and yet not only live in others but give them life, and not only life, but that great consciousness of life."


"My fault, my failure, is not in the passions I have, but in my lack of control of them."


"The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes 'Awww'."

Five.
Dick Waterman has been has been photographing music legends for over 45 years. He recently turned the Bluebird Cafe into a gallery for the day promoting his book, "Between Midnight Day." Listening to him tell his stories behind the photographs, he felt like an old friend or grandfather that made you want to spend all day listening to. You can see his photographs and learn more about him on his website here: http://www.dickwaterman.com/ (photos from website)


Bonnie Raitt, 1969

Chuck Berry, 1965

Bob Dylan, 1965

Six.

I know it's not quite summer yet, but it's close enough to start pretending. This watermelon cake is delicious and looks so cute! My friend, Emily, and I used to make them alot, and never got tired of them at all. Careful with the jelly beans though, if you use a creamier icing they'll slide down and make a mess. Green sprinkles are a good alternative. Here is the recipe from Razzle Dazzle Recipes.

March 12

One.

Brian Berg holds the world record for the tallest freestanding house of playing cards. He first set it in 1992 when he was seventeen, and has broken his own record 10 times now. His latest structure is over 25 feet tall! Learn more at his website.

Two.
Monday night I was eating at Nuvo Burrito and saw a music video of The Smiths come on the television. Realizing I love The Smiths but have never seen ANY of their videos, I went home to check out some more. Here's one to try on: (Click here to watch the "Panic" video).

Three.
Quote for the day:
"Some people walk in the rain... others just get wet." - Roger Miller

Photo courtesy of Ffffound.


Four.
Carole King is playing the Ryman in Nashville in May, and it's taking just about all my willpower not to buy tickets. I'll probably end up giving in and being happy that I did. Listen for free here! (My personal favorite, Natural Woman).

Five.
Newest addition to my room is this adorable picture frame I found at a local vintage shop, Local Honey. I love the combinations of the constellations and the animals, and the colors help brighten the corner, too.

Six.
If you love photo editing but don't know much about it yet, you will love this free online editor. Picnik allow you to adjust basic settings, apply pre-programmed effects, add text, stamps, and borders to your photos. It's wonderful when you're in a rush or just looking for an easy way to spice up your pictures. Go give it a whirl at www.Picnik.com

March 11

One.
Fellow Conan Addicts... it's time to celebrate! We no longer have to suffer withdrawals from our dear ginger hero. Today Conan O'Brien announced a list of cities in a 30 date live tour. Showing up on the list were both Austin and Dallas, and Bonnaroo musical festival! Cheers.

Click here to see a list of tour dates. Then buy tickets.

Two. 
Norwegian pop artist Maria Mena. Her song "You're the Only One" has been stuck in my head all morning, and I'm not disappointed about it. "Fragile (free)" and "What's Another Day" are two other sunny day windows-down pop songs I like, but my favorite is probably her heartbreak ballad, "Sorry". 

Listen to "Sorry" and more of Maria's songs here.

Three.

Jessica C. White is an artist currently living in Asheville, NC. I saw some of her work at an art crawl in Nashville with Twist Art Gallery last week and loved it!

 

"Similar to the way animals were used in folktales and ancient mythologies to explain the mysterious world of the past, I create images with animals that attempt to make sense of uncertainties in our world today. Children’s book images, medieval bestiaries, and folk tales inspire my investigations both visually and textually. Much of my exploration revolves around good versus evil, right and wrong, justice, and wonder." - Jessica C. White (twistartgallery.com)

Four.

Happy birthday Lawrence Welk, American bandleader, musician and TV persona. Host of The Lawrence Welk Show from 1955 to 1982, his "champagne music" provided a music show meant for the entire family.

Click here to see the original closing credits from the Lawrence Welk Show (1978).

Five.

It's a beautiful day in Nashville... the kind of day you deserve to treat yourself. Which is how I ended up with this Pink Radio Cake from Bongo Java. Both the cake and the icing are actually made with beets, which sounds disgusting, but is actually really delicious. Besides, it's pretty.

Six.
Yukon Aurora with Star Trails. This breathtaking image was taken in the northwestern territory of Canada using a tripod and combined short exposures. It shows arcs made by stars while the earth rotates on its axis, along with this beautiful aurora also known as the northern lights. Credit: Yuichi Takasaka