Pretty Things and Awesome People

 

I feel like we all need some positivity. It’s been kind of rough few days, and today comes with a sick cat – and an impeding vet visit. So, without further ado, I’m going to talk about some people I admire and some awesome things.

1. The Strange Brew. Best coffee, ever. I’m not kidding. I NEVER joke about coffee. (Or money, right Vivian?) I am hopelessly addicted to the lovely Toni Carr (aka Joan of Dark, Derby Girl and Kickass Woman – seriously. She is training for the craziest thing ever. Check it: Tough Mudder ) If you love coffee, buy yourself a bag. SHE SHIPS. Which is good, because if she didn’t, I’d have to move to Indiana.

2. The one and only, Fabulous Lorraine (aka Quiche Me Deadly) – or Lorraine Garland. Lorraine is badass. She is also a Derby Girl, a musician, a Bengal Cat rescuer (have you SEEN the Leopard Lounge? You MUST.), and veritable Jane of All Trades. If you’re looking for a new blog to add your reading list, add hers. Not only is Lorraine smart, wise, and awesome – but she ALWAYS has wonderful stories to tell, things you will admire, and a ton of tidbits that will inspire you. Trust me. Plus, the community there? Well, it’s pretty fantastic.

3. Tea cups made from recycled book pages (link courtesy of the fantastic Gabriel Rodriguez). These are GORGEOUS. I am so very impressed by the talent it takes to make something like that. And, I’m guessing, the patience. Beautiful art.

4. For anyone not already addicted, BEHOLD – The Lipstick Queen! For all the ladies, of course – or Executive Transvestites. 😉 I cannot say enough good things about her lipstick and gloss. They are so fabulous. They stay put. They are not sticky. The colors are divine. And her brand is responsible for all of my awesome red lip color. Go forth and ADMIRE. (Deanna Raybourn, you are responsible for my addiction to her products. For which, I offer you a thousand thank yous.)

5. Janet Reid, literary agent, whiskey drinker, and Shark of the Book Realm. While I don’t know Janet personally, I can tell you this – she is out to help writers. She wants to clarify, encourage, assist, and HELP. Her blog entries (also at Query Shark) are one of the best resources I’ve found. Plus, she is agent to some pretty amazing writers. Speaking of…

6. Sean Ferrell. Sean is a wonderful writer. (Have YOU read NUMB? No? Remedy that.) He writes things that resonate so well with readers. His wonderful turn-of-phrase (is there a plural for that? Turns of phrases? No, that sounds wrong…) evokes admiration and minor cases of jealously. Often, I find myself saying, “I wish I thought of that phrasing…” But Sean is more than just another pantless, scotch-drinking keyboard monkey. He is smart, and he is encouraging. If you don’t believe me, read his blog. Hell, read his blog, anyway.

7. The Pioneer Woman. Ree Drummond is a goddess. A cooking, camera-wielding genius. I get a lot of my recipes from her site (and her cookbook!), and you will not be sorry. Of course, if you peruse her archieve of reicpes, don’t do it on an empty stomach. Otherwise, you will find yourself surrounded by dirty pots and pans, snarfing down cinnamon rolls, pasta, and cheese grits. I…may be editorializing a bit. Delicious, yes – but not exceptionally pretty.

8. Etsy.com. This site is a magical world of homemade crafts, ranging from jewelry to furniture. I love supporting handmade creations and businesses. I have never been unhappy with a purchase, and there is so much there to love. Check it out.

9. Anastasia Traina. This lovely lady is as smart as she is funny, as witty as she is wise, and as artistic and she is wonderful. Aside from her Zingers blog, she also is founder and CEO of A FUNNY BUNNY PICTURE. Ana is a brilliant photographer and drawer, and there is always a recipe or two to be found on her blog.

10. Lastly, I give you The Confrontation Song (from Les Miserables) sung by Neil Patrick Harris and Jason Segel. This never fails to make me laugh.