Thanks for...
Happy Anniversary!
I wrote a post then deleted it. I wrote another post then deleted it too. I paced the living room floor, read books (and calendar pages) for ideas, scrolled through old posts for inspiration, listened to music lyrics, and even asked von Oech to whack my thinking.
Nothing.
Today feels like it should be the grand daddy of all posts. The pinnacle of this whole crazy year. I feel like I should have something really profound, really funny, or really inspiring to say. But, I don't. Part of the reason is because the real celebration is scheduled to happen tonight during the Highlowaha People's Choice Awards, beginning at 8:00 CST, right here in this very location. I think the other reason I'm conflicted is because a big "to-do" or major departure from our normal routine would, in many ways, run counter to who we are and what this space stands for.
Highlowaha is about honoring the beauty of simplicity. It about using our creativity to turn simple moments into lasting memories that can be shared by family and friends. It's about the security of shared rituals and of living the spirit of #218.
No. Today is the 18th of the month and while it would be tempting to fill this blog space with inspiring quotes, a brass band from You Tube, or a virtual ticker tape parade, we will resist the urge and return to the very ritual for which this blog is named.
In usual form we will use the 18th of the month to join in community and to share our "high," our "low," and our "aha" (something you've learned). Maybe we'll allow for a slight adaptation. Normally we focus on the events of the past month, but maybe today, you will consider the events of the past year. And, if you're feeling really festive considering sharing the "high," "low," and "aha" of your experience on this blog site over the past year.
Another ritual. In September I began drawing the name of a person who participated in our "high," "low," "aha" monthly ritual, so that one person could win a free Highlowaha t-shirt (winners to date have been AZLori, Peggy, Kelly, Heather, and Cassie P). Another adaptation. Beginning today, the monthly winner will have the option of either ordering a Highlowaha t-shirt OR a t-shirt bearing your favorite picture of Ray Wattson (If I won today, I'd have to go for either HemminRay or AmoRay). How about you?
So let's get on with it. I'll start
High: So many highs on the blog this year. Making new friends like Cheryl, Peggy, Julie, Brian, Kristen, and Robin (to name a few); reconnecting with old friends like Tera, Cassie P., AZLori, and Maureen (also to name a few); staying current with oldies, but goodies like Susan, Cristine, Heather and Katie (and, yes... to name a few); the birth of Ray; Virtual parties; service projects; and keeping my promise to post a new idea every day (except Sunday), while never repeating the same idea twice.
Low: Unfinished, unfinished business; losing readers like Jayme, Chaotic, and Anon who once frequented our site; and never tracking down Julie A. Cole from Lincoln, Nebraska.
Aha: Lots of people enjoy receiving Snail Mail, just like me. You can't mail a cake and have it arrive in tact. The Gettysburg Address was only 22 words. Dueling is still legal in Paraguay. I have the discipline to do something every day (except Sunday) for an entire year!
An announcement and then it's your turn...
Announcement:
Red Carpet Preview: A few important notes about tonight's much anticipated award ceremony.
- As with any respectable award show, we'd like to you to take your seats beginning at 7:45 CST. The show will be broadcast via video. It will take approximately 15 minutes to upload (depending on connection speed), once you've clicked on the link. So... begin uploading at 7:45 and you should be ready to go by 8:00 p.m.
- Incidentally, the video will begin playing as soon as you click on the link. Refrain from watching until 8:00, so we are all watching at the same time.
- The show is 34 minutes long.
- Regardless of whether or not you win something, we'd love it if you would post notes of celebration.
- If you are lucky enough to be an award winner, please post your acceptance speech. We'd love to hear what you have to say.
- Email me pictures of you in celebration mode (cbeeny@lslog.com), by midnight, and be entered in the drawing for a prize.
- As an added bonus, a series of three words - in yellow text - have been hidden throughout the awards show. Gather them, read them in order, and get a clue about the fun awaiting you bright and early Thursday morning.
- This is not an exact science, so be patient.
See you on the carpet. Signing off until then...
Posts
35 comments:
Wow...first post again. Oh the joys of being sick :)
Before I get to my HLAs, I'd like to say THANK YOU to Claudia for her dedication for the past year. You've kept me, and most of your readers, coming back for more each day! And thanks to the readers for keeping the blog so entertaining. I never thought I'd be in to blogs...oh how I was wrong!
In honor of our 1 year anniversary, I'd like to challenge all of the readers to collectively do 18 RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS TODAY. Send a note to a friend, mail a package of fun things to an unexpecting person, bake something...it could be anything.
I'll be the first to step up...consider RAK #1 done! Who else is in?
Highs: Keeping in touch with old friends; although we're not talking every day, knowing what Julie is up to on a regular basis; meeting lots of new people; Tast of USA; getting great new recipes that I've actually used; "forcing" myself to be crafty more often that I used to.
Low: Is there a real low to this blog? Hmmm...
Aha: People across the country who have never met can really make a difference in this world...one smile, RAK, package at a time :)
GOOD MORNING and HAPPY 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!
I have been anticipating this day all month and I'm so excited that it's finally here!!
Let's see...my HLA's for the last year:
High- Seeing a friend's dream come true (CKB's dream of having this blog); watching a community of women form and become friends because of their love for making a mark on the world; all the virtual parties, birthday celebrations, and fun days of commenting back and forth with one another; having a new 'family' in my life that I check in with every morning and at least once in the afternoon
Low- Ummmm....Not meeting enough of you in person this year- that'll be a goal for next year!
Aha- "If you build it, they will come"- that's from the movie Field of Dreams and I can say that I've now seen that happen in real life.
CKB, Cheryl, Heather and others...I'll see you in a few hours!!! Off to shower, pack up a last few things and then off to the airport I go...
Happy ONE YEAR Anniversary! Dr. B, you amaze me! I do not know how you have time to do all this and my hat is off to you!!!
I am excited for tonight, I really am, but right now I cannot express it well. I do not feel good- in 4 different ways!!! And I have a test this morning. Hopefully tonight I am feeling better and get more enthused as the day goes on!
Tera, I think that 18 RAK's today is a splendid idea- so spirit of 218. I am going to see if I can pull it off...and not just send 18 snail mail cards or e-mails to friends. Make them all different! Maybe this will make me feel better AND put me in a better mood for tonight!
OK, this is turning into a long post, sorry all.
High: Tuning in every (well, almost) morning, no matter where I am in the US, and being inspired by everyone who participates in this blog. Having fun with things. Almost going to Santa Claus, IN (haha). Keeping in touch with people who are too far away from me now.
LOW: Not going to Santa Claus, IN. hehe...WOW, I really cant think of lows. How about the days and have to come back and just read what people have posted; knowing I did not get to participate that day.
AHA: you cant mail a cake or alcohol. thanks Julie! LOL
RAK's are one of the most fun things to do in life.
OK, thats all!
Tera... a special kudos to you for having the first post of the new year! You, and Heather for being the first post of last year, share a simple but fun bond.
I can tell this is cooking up to be a fun day.
Happy anniversary!
High: reconnecting with you guys after being here briefly in the beginning.
Low: Missing the middle of the year.
Aha: How much you can enjoy your internet friends!
We're all sick here. If I'm dressed tonight that will be a miracle. And I don't really own an fancy clothes but I'm going for punch my fav thing on the earth!
Tera, sorry you're sick. I'll do at least 2 RAKs. 1 already done one on its way...
YAY!!! I got myself out of bed early today to check in because I knew it was going to be a great post!!!
CKB - Thank you! For so many things ... namely this morning for keeping today's post in line with what you've been posting over the last year! The familiarity is comforting! I, like Tera, didn't think I'd get captivated by a blog - and now not only do I check in here every day, but I have one of my own (not nearly as up to date ....)
THREE WORDS - Can I tell you that's my favorite part of GMA on the weekend?!?!?! When they do the "tell us about your week in 3 words" segment! I'm so excited for that!
Tera - are you suggesting that we EACH do 18 RAKs today, or that we collectively do 18 RAKs?
HIGHS - Meeting wonderful friends, keeping tabs on friends, and having an almost daily connection with my sister! Also, I've expressed this to CKB ... as I have lived in 4 cities (3 states, 2 time zones, and yes, 1 country) over the past year, this has been a community that has been with me through all the changes ... and one group of friends that I don't have to say good bye to as I leave a place.
LOW - Dropping the ball with Reading Raynbow.
AHA - Cakes don't mail well. Alcohol is illegal to mail. There's something powerful that's created when you successfully gather people from around the country for a common goal of helping others and making others' days brighter! A blog has held my undivided attention for a year, and the people that make it up have encouraged me and gotten me to do things I otherwise would have never done - chiefly making time to stop and enjoy the small moments in life!
I CAN'T WAIT FOR TONIGHT!
Well its going to be a busy day in the Peres household.... Tomorrow is the long awaited "Sweet 16" of my daughter Krysten. I hope to be done with everything in time to participate tonight but if I do not make it please accept my apology.
I have also been blessed with a new nephew Lucas (Brian's son) and somehow have to find a way to the hospital which is 35 miles away.
Claudia I would like to thank you for not only being a friend for the past 30+ years but for always being the one I could rely on for "sound advice". HLA has been part of my day for almost a year and even though its been crazy lately I do lurk. I look forward to many years of your posts. HLA has become part of my daily routine and I enjoy everyone on here
Going forward....
I consider everything I am doing at this point (today) a RAK LOL. I did not have this kind of pressure for my own wedding. I guess it was mom and dads pressure being they paid for it. I worry too much about details LOL
High: I have met some pretty awesome people on HLA and even some who promise to visit this summer LOL
Low: there are none
Aha: I am not the ONLY person that looks forward to "HLA LAND" each day ..... I have become as my kids call it "AN HLA JUNKIE"
And some people actually do eat "squirrel" although I learned that on facebook I met them here"!
Happy 1st Anniversary!!!
High- All of the fun projects and activities that we have done together here!
Low- Missing out on a few months this fall.
Aha- how can I pick just one? I have gotten so many great ideas from this blog!
Happy Anniversary HLA!
Thanks to Claudia for all of the hard work and creativity, and thanks for Katie for introducing me to the HLA community. =)
High: The Friendship Party that first got me coming to HLA.
Low: Drifting away during winter break.
Aha: Getting a package in the mail from Claudia with my patchwork denim! I had forgotten about it but I got so excited when I got it!
Tera: 18 RAK's today...you're ON! Besides it will get me out of the house...something I need to do!!!
CKB..thanks for all the blood, sweat, and tears you've put into this community over the past year!!
Highs/Lows/Aha's all mashed together in a reflection:
Let me first start by saying I made fun of Julie for being involved in a blog. I had no idea! she slowly (as only she is able to do) introduced me to it, and now I'm hooked! As many of you know, I became a mother way before I ever anticipated motherhood. I am currently a stay at home mom...something I NEVER thought I would do. I have honestly never had much respect for the "housewife." As any of you other "housewives" out there know, our life can be just as crazy as those who have 9-5's. This blog has given me some consistency since I got over myself and "joined." It truely brightened my days...especially those post-partum ones.
I have been accused of being somewhat of a close minded redneck. Yup...I'm that HLA reader who has eaten squirrel (it's not the best, but edible). That being said I probably would have otherwise not taken the time or put forth the effort to get to know many of the people I have grown to know (and like) in this community. I think HLA has molded me into a better, more well-rounded open minded person then any college diversity 3 credit class ever did!!
Ok, so that was mostly highs and aha's...as for low's...it came just the other day when all you warm weather folk started talking about pedi's...I have never gotten a pedi...nor do I really have the interest...you just struck a bit of a jealous chord in me as I looked at the 15 degree thermometer I had...spring has to come...eventually...even to PA...right?
Maureen ~ OMG! I love it! I had a blonde moment there... but now I get it and love "HLA Land".... that is so perfect!!! (You do mean as in "La La Land", right?)
Claudia as I stated the other day, you are a life coach, you are an inspiration and your dedication in keeping creativity flowing is awesome!!
***Happy Blog aversa RAY!!!!***
18 RAK's is a pretty high goal for me to achieve today... I will set my sights a bit lower, so that I feel that I can obtain a doable goal!
Highs: The fun, the challenges, the thinking outside the bun, the different points and perspectives everyone brings to the table, the honesty and the enthusiasm and excitement every new idea brings.
LOWS: Still being human and having feelings .... (don't get me wrong nothing was said to me)... just the range of emotions we go through as a group of people... disappointment, sickness, loss, fear, anticipation, confusion
AHA: I said it before and I'll say it again.... I just love learning! Learning new ways, new ideas, fresh fun-ness, team S*P*I*R*I*T
Yay! You made it! Yay! We made it! What a fun ride! Let's do that again!
Highs: Meeting Claudia and becoming such good friends. Competing in the Olympics. Writing Taste of USA and travelling to Pennsylvania with Claudia to meet Tera, Treye, Julie, Amy, Katie, Heidi, Nicole and Kristen. What a fun time! All the good ideas that have come from being at HLA.
Lows: Not being able to get my friends to participate. Not finishing the Altoids Table... but I haven't given up!!
Ahas: Surrounding yourself with creative and wonderful people makes you more creative and a better person all around. I am so excited for another year!
I'm also excited about tonight. I wish I could feign sick and go home early from work to get ready!!
As far as the RAK go, I was thinking that as a community we collectively do 18. 18 for one person is a lot to ask in one day!
So far, Peggy, Julie, Kristen, Maureen, Robin, Cassie & myself are up for it...that's 7.
What about you, Lindsaymarie, Kat, Cheryl, Katie K., Claudia, Heather, Brian, MT Kelly, Misty, Jess, Megan Larkin, Erica Knox, Stacie, and the rest of our readers?
Heather...we'll always be bonded :)
Tera, I just did mine here at the airport! Bought some gum and a magazine for myself and left some extra money with the cashier to buy a magazine for the person who came after me! Yay for RAKs!
I'm HERE!!! Finally!
It was a crazy maddening, toddler filled morning in the Snow household which kept me from getting out the door on time and from posting on HLA...
Highs: Seeing this thing truly from START to where it is today...I love how far this community has come.
Seeing my patchwork denim come together!!!!
Lows: Ducking out for some time in July during the move...Not having as many patches as I'd like to have by now...I need to get my rear in gear.
Ahas: Each person who is a part of this blog has taught me something. For the people I have never met in person you'd be suprised at how much you mean to me:
Peggy...you are AMAZING! I love all your creative cards, your blog and the love you have for your children!
Maureen...if only we all had the commitment to our children like you do for Krysten and her sweet 16...I'm trying to emulate your love in my raising Lily.
Lori-You are SUCH a good friend to Claudia, I hope I can live up to your standard...I mean you even face the post office for her!
Kristen and Julie...you are such an integral part of my day, I LOVE watching your sister antics play out.
Basically everyone here means something to me and I'm glad that we are all a part of this community.
Is it weird that we have "internet" friends...who would have thought we'd get to this place?
oh and Tera I'm in for a RAK!
I'm on my way to Denton, but had to stop in to say a couple of things.
1. Tera, I did my RAK this morning. I paid for the person behind me in the Starbucks drive-through (yes, coffee on the run today).
2. My friend Stephanie from Florida called me this morning at 8:00 a.m. out of the blue. She occasionally lurks on our site, but is in no way a regular. Anyway... she called me out of the blue to say, "thank you." She explained that this past weekend she hosted her 12th Annual Random Acts of Kindness Party and she wanted me to know.
I tell you this, because I want it to reinforce - in the minds of all of us - that our effort matters. People notice and then, when we are not looking, they catch the contagious spirit of #218 and keep passing it along.
What a perfect message for a perfect day.
Bad news, everyone! I will no longer be able to join you for the award show tonight, but I will be there in spirit!
I was due to depart from Virginia and connect in north Carolina, but because of weather they are not able to land any planes here right now. So, during the award show I will be on a plane from Philly to Dallas! Enjoy and have some great HLA fun!
CKB...Stephanie from UF who was my "buddy" in your class? I sent Brittany McGarry a facebook message about her the other day b/c she's going to UF to visit for grad school tomorrow.
We're up to 10 people doing RAK. I know there are 8 other people out in HLA Land who can do just one before the Awards Show starts tonight!!!
Bad news, everyone! I will no longer be able to join you for the award show tonight, but I will be there in spirit!
I was due to depart from Virginia and connect in north Carolina, but because of weather they are not able to land any planes here right now. So, during the award show I will be on a plane from Philly to Dallas! Enjoy and have some great HLA fun!
Gee, thanks Heather **blush**
Well, good enough about the RAK's... I sent a note to my goal fishing buddy... and mailed out 3 thinking of you cards to a few friends. And not that it's a RAK, but I'm making 10 hairbows for Sissy's v-ball team.... so I'm being nice to my daughter on my day off while she's at school. Does that count?
Way to go, Claudia, for making it to the year mark with such an impressive collection of blog entries, new and old friends, and always-creative IDEAS!
My run-down for the past year follows:
HIGH: Lucian--from giving birth to him, to the joy of spending each day with him and constantly learning from him, he's been the HIGH of my life, not just my year.
LOW: having to spend so much of L's first year in hospitals
AHA: I'm a lot stronger than I ever thought I was (and I always saw myself as a pretty strong person). Motherhood is really, really powerful stuff.
As for the HLA of HLA.com, here you go... H: the Olympics, winning the cupcake cake pan, feeling motivated to explore my creative side more regularly. L: not being able to finish the Olympics because of the $65+ shipping charge for my baked goods entry!, not being able to read and participate as much as I would have preferred in recent weeks. A: Technology can sometimes distance people, but it can also bring them together in ways you might not expect. Also, I apparently have a tendency toward blog addiction. HLA was the first, but now I'm hooked on reading several other blogs, and it really is hard to stop.
WHEW! I am glad we are doing 18 RAKs together; because 18 RAKs in one day by myself was starting to get really difficult. I thought I was gonna try to do 18 RAKs...HAHA. Well, I got 3 in today so far...it should be more by now, but I have classes half the day. There is much "kindness" that I can do sitting there learning about ventilators...So you can count my 3 RAKs, or count me as one- whichever you want!
Tera... what is our RAK count up to?
I'll do a RAK... count me in.
I should be there tonight... but I think I may arrive a few moments "fashionablly" late.
Happy Anniversary! CKB - You radiate. Congratulations. The sun is shining down upon you. My highs - being accepted by this creative community even though I'm a lurker and getting Philly cheese steaks in the pouring rain during Taste of USA.
So far, we've had 11 people say they'll do a RAK. I'm not sure how many people have done more than one, but only 11 people.
Can we get 7 more before the Awards tonight?
If you're on this list, you've done a RAK:
Peggy, Julie, Kristen, Maureen, Robin, Cassie, Tera, Katie, Heather, Claudia, Brian
Dr. B,
Just wanted to let you know that even though I do not post I do read your blog everyday. It inspires and entertains me each day. I just wanted to thank you for that. Congrats on the one year!
Darn it! Just posted and lost it somehow! In a nut shell...soccer practice can't make festivities but wish everyone a ton of fun! Look forward to checking in when I do get home!
Thanks for the shout out Heather! It made my day!
High-reconnecting more frequently and e-meeting new people!
Low-Waiting inlines at the post office!
Aha-Waiting in lines at the post office is mostly worth it! Love doing RAK's!
I will do an RAK today...probably will be a treat for boys after soccer practice!
Happy 1 year HLA!
I have a new high and low of today:
High: I got an email this morning about a POTENTIAL job in the Allegheny National forest...keep your fingers crossed, say a prayer, maybe I'll have a job soon!!
Low: John Kanzius passed away today. For those of you who might not be familiar, he resided in my hometown for several years and recently developed the use of radio waves in cancer tratment. He had no formal medical training, but his theories hold alot of promise. Thoughts and prayers with his family tonight.
...2009 PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS ARE GETTING CLOSER!!!!
I am home from babysitting...Ive got my wine and my feather boa ready! 30 minutes and counting!!!
no fancy clothes here...just a tshirt and shorts. being sick means i have NO desire to dress up. but we did have a delicious dinner of salmon, rice & green beans :)
any other takers on doing a RAK before days end? we need 7 more to make 18 (our special number) for the day!
BTW, I was here at 7:45 pm EASTERN. lol
High : finding out I have been missed
Low : missing out on being here
Aha : thinking I can hide this site more often at work....
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