Obviously

I have been slacking.

NKOTB & The Today Show – dare I dream?

Yes, I do.  Today, April 28th, is my mom’s birthday.  Today is also the same day that NKOTB posted Twitter messages that they are giving a trip to the May 8th Today Show taping away.  So, what a great birthday present that would be for me mom.  She took me to see NKOTB when I was young.  I’ll never forget it. 

 

If you are Twitter, plz RETWEET:

RT @cindylake: #NKOTB 5 reasons to pick me: http://twitpic.com/468ou

 

 

 

  

Updates are coming soon

It’s been a while since I have updated my blog and yes, I am sure there is a long line of people who care… ha! I will be updating in some major ways very soon!

Dabbling in Art & Interior Design

     What a great weekend we had. Friday evening we went to see Jim Gaffigan at the Alabama Theater thanks to Fran and Helen.  He was hysterical and kept me wiping my eyes the whole time as his jokes kept me on the verge of tears from the belly aching laughter.

Saturday, of course, was brilliant.  Katherine & Jay hosted such a great party.  Watching all that football outside, surrounded by good friend, great food and cold drinks was perfect.  Not to mention the final scores for Alabama and Auburn.  Those were pretty perfect too!  That night took us to Bourbon Street for some karaoke observation.

The best part of the weekend was working on my dressing room on Sunday.  Coby's aunt, Linda, is a fantastic decorator and we spent the day making my dressing room one that I could be proud of and enjoy.  It truly reflects my styles and the exciting part is that we also turned it into an art studio.  Which led me into finally deciding to that my latest piece is finished.  Below, please enjoy the pictures of my latest piece of art and my dressing room. 

This is the inspiration of my latest piece.  A building in Ravello, Italy.  Not sure why I liked it so much, but the very second I saw it I was completely enthralled by it.

One of the early stages of the painting.  At this point I have applied ground pumice mixed with paint to create a stucco like texture.

Here you can see that the painting is developing into it's final form.  Also, at this point I have started experimenting with more texture by using clear gel with my acrylic paint.

And Wallah! Here it is!  My final piece.  It's different and I am still learning and developing my craft, but I love it!  I love the colors.  I love the textures.  I love it!

On to the dressing room slash art studio.  I am so excited about this room!  Linda really helped make it a space that I could be super comfortable and productive in.  For the most part we had everything in the room that you see in the pictures.  We just completely rearranged everything.  It is a beautiful room that completely embodies my taste in decor as well as my various interests.

 

 

 

My Life's Agenda

1.  Train for and complete the Vulcan Run 10k .  Also on my plate, the Race for the Cure in October as well as the Mercedes Marathon in February (probably I'll be doing the half marathon).  Julie and I have been running pretty much every day at either 6 in the morning or 6 at night.  We are actually being coached as part of Danny Harrelson's Run University, Running 101.  Tonight, we are putting ourselves to the test by running 2 miles straight, no walking at all!  Might not seem so bad to a lot of people, but it sure seems pretty rough to me.  I think, I know, we can do it.  So far, I am very proud of Julie and I for the commitment we have made to ourselves and one another to start and finish this program.  And, to tell you the truth, I am getting to the point were I actually like the running.  It's a challenge to ourselves and one that I am looking forward to us completing!  I have decided that if I am able to complete this, I will be joining a gym.  

2.  Become involved in politics starting at the local level.  Contemplate my quest to run for City Council.  Really, I could go on and on about the politically charged notions in my brain, but I am refraining at the moment.  That's a whole other post on it's own and one that will be very well thought out and written and passionate!  Suffice it to say, I am definitely a BRITE BLUE DOT IN THIS REALLY RED STATE!

3.  Donate my time and money to two different organizations that help the greater good of this world.  After watching the show Dogtown: Saving the Michael Vick Dogs on Nat Geo last Friday, I was completely blown away by the organization, Best Friends in Utah.  They run a animal sanctuary that takes animals in from across the country that are being faced with beintn euthanized.  To see what these loving and kind people were able to do with the Vick pit bulls brought so much emotion to me.  I couldn't believe how courageous and patient these people were.  To take such a sad situation and turn these dogs into loving and loved animals was amazing.  This is definitely the organization that will be the "donate money" portion of my quest.  I am still looking for a local charity that I can donate my time to.  I would like to somehow be involved with children and making a difference in their lives.  I would love any suggestions about local charities that any of you or involved with or have heard of.  

Bring on the Sandpaper! Rachel Ashwell watch out.

Shabby Chic, French Countryside, English Garden. Home decor that reflects this style has always appealed to me. Something about the soft pastels and the warn textures reminds me of a perfect place. The serene whiteness and the plush pillows and couches, that has to be what heaven is like.

The downside of my quest to have a house that Rachel Ashwell would be proud of; It's Expensive! So, it's been challenging for me to create the home I want given the realities of my financial situation. $2,000 mirrors, $5,000 sofas, $2,500 linens and $7,500 dining room tables aren't exactly realistic home furnishing for the Lake Household, yet (although, I am not sure I could ever justify such pricey items).

My hard earned dollars are spent at TJ Maxx, Homegoods, Tuesday Morning and World Market. Places that offer the average consumer some average prices! Usually, I am only able to find knick knacks and wall hangings, not the larger furniture items that I would like to have.

So yesterday, I took matters into my own hands. After all, the whole premise of shabby chic is taking what you have and blending it to create the comfy look you want. Please enjoy these pictures of my first feeble attempt.

Lake Family Photos

This summer, Coby and I had the chance to have professional photos done of us and our "dog-children" Buddy and Sammy.  The photographer is a friend of ours, Jessica Chapman (her web site) and I can't even begin to express how happy both of us were with the photos.  Here is just a small sampling of the pictures.