Gone

My aunt died unexpectedly yesterday. She was only 51, and although she'd lived years in pain, we just didn't see this coming.

I hadn't talked to her in nearly 3 years, because of something that was said that angered me. I would have eventually gotten over what had happened, and everything would've gone back to normal. That's the way things work in my family:

Hold on to a grudge for a bit, then let it go. Some of us are better at that last part than others.

But here I am. And there she is. And all I have is the fact that she loved me no matter what, and I loved her.

Did she do and say things that made me angry beyond comprehension? Yes! Are there things that I'll never understand about my family? Heck yes! 

But you reach a point where you just have to say enough is enough! 

Don't hang on to anger for too long. 

Don't let your pride get in the way for too long.

Don't pretend that you or anyone else has never said horrible things, out of hurt feelings & anger. 

Life is so stinkin' short. Like, warp speed. And the older you get, the more apparent that becomes. We aren't here very long, & some of us only get a few breaths in, before it's time to say goodbye.

Just stop. Take a deep breath. Take 20. Then think about how utterly stupid you're being. Think about how utterly stupid the other person is being.

Then?

Just get over yourself.

I'll miss you, Shari. See ya when I get there. 

In memory of Shari Church

Rex Manning Day, 2014

I was a teenager in the 90's. And like many teenagers, in whatever generation you're a part of, I was drawn to certain movies. Movies that captured the spirit of my youth.  Movies that made me wish that I was part of the world in which these characters lived. And there has been one movie that's maybe done that a little more than the others.

Empire Records.

I wanted to work in that record store more than anything.

I wanted to glue quarters to the floor, and not have to explain my art to anyone.

I wanted Mark to kiss my ballerina foot, as Romeo and Juliet by Dire Straits played in the background.

I wanted AJ to tell me he loved me, at exactly 1:37.

I wanted to dress like Corey, sing like Gina, and be a kick-ass chick like Deb.

I wanted to make buttons.

I wanted a boss like Joe, because there was no one cooler.

I did not want to throw myself at Rex Manning, even though his presence made the story come together.

Rex Manning.

Who would have thought that such a jerkwad character, could bring so many awesome people together every April 8th? But that's just what happened.

Last night on Twitter, I was part of something spectacular. Something that was even picked up by People Magazine. I, along with thousands of other fans, and Empire Records cast members, live tweeted the movie together, in honor of Rex Manning Day. We all pushed play at exactly 10:00 pm EST, and made it a night for the books. (That Deb is awesome at keeping track of, by the way.)

Surreal is the word I'm using. Never could I have imagined back in the 90's, that someday I would be watching Empire Records, and interacting directly with Ethan Embry, AKA Mark, as we all sat comfortably in our homes, thousands of miles apart.

Twitter is so magical, you guys. Laugh if you must, but this was unheard of when I was a teenager. If you wanted to interact with a celebrity, or person you admired, you had to write a letter. And chances are, you'd never hear back from them. Now, not only do we get to converse with these fellow humans, but we actually get a feel for if they're truly good people, or king and queen douchebags. (Just so you know, Ethan Embry is a down to Earth guy, who also happens to be a great musician.)

Here are the stats of our superb extravaganza. I made it onto a list, you guys! http://www.tweetbinder.com/rs/JC3N4wcIqK1

And with all my tweeting, I was worried about losing followers. It was nice that Ethan felt my pain. 😉 

Then, to put the icing on the Corey-made cupcakes, a tweet I made about the band, Toad the Wet Sprocket, that Ethan retweeted last night, was responded to by freakin' Toad the Wet Sprocket! And then the 90's Gods were all like, "Oh, you think that's all we've got? How about a retweet of that very tweet, by non other than Gin Blossoms?!" 

Last night was such a blast! And if it becomes a yearly tradition, you should totally play along, because why not? Damn the man!!


(You can follow Ethan Embry on Twitter here., and you can also find him on Instagram.)

Thank you for letting me fangirl.

Happy Rex Manning Day!!

Mystic, Merry Toyland

The other day I was watching the movie Prancer. There's just something about this 80's classic, that brings back memories of my childhood.

It was released in 1989, which would have put me in the 5th grade. That also happens to be the grade my oldest is in this year.

When I watch this movie, I'm instantly taken back to the 80's during Christmas time. A time of magic and wonder. A time of earmuffs, and cocoa with extra marshmallows. (cocoa, served in a festive mug, of course.)

A time of visiting my grandparent's on Christmas morning, to show them my favorite toys from Santa. The sound of my boots crunching in the snow, while walking up to their house. The smell of their chimney smoke in the cool, crisp air.

A time of asking my grandma and grandpa what Santa had left them in their stockings. (He always came through.)

A time of thinking how loved my grandparents must have been, because their entire mantle was filled with Christmas cards from friends and family. I was always sure to admire each picture.

Going straight for my grandma's Christmas ribbon candy, because they were delicious and full of Christmassy colors.

I'm taken back to the way their blue Christmas lights twinkled in the snow, and the beautiful glow of the lights on their tree, glistening with the tinsel.

I would give anything to go back to that time, and those feelings. We're little for such a short time in our lives. I always tell my kids to slow down and enjoy the ride. They'll want it all back someday.





"Toyland, Toyland
Little girl and boy land.

While you dwell within it,
you are ever happy there.

Childhood's joy land
Mystic, merry toy land.

Once you pass its borders,
you can never return again.

When you've grown up, my dears
and are as old as I,

You'll laugh and ponder on the years
that roll so swiftly by, my dears
that roll so swiftly by.

Childhood's joy land
Mystic, merry Toyland.

Once you pass its borders
you can never return again..."

          Little Amy, in 1980's Toyland

'KETCHUP WITH US’ – Prompt 31: Send Someone Holiday Greetings

My holiday greetings go out to all of you. Anyone who's taking the time to read these words. I want you to have a beautiful Christmas, filled with memories of the past, and positive energy for the future.

And don't forget to gaze at your Christmas tree with your eyes squinted. It's just better that way.;-)


Thanks, Michele and Mel! Merry Christmas!

My Name is Amy, and I Could'nt Care Less if You Wish me Happy Holidays

Why must we make a thing out of someone wishing us Happy Holidays? Seriously, if one person walked up to me and said Merry Christmas, and the person directly after them said Happy Holidays, mentally, I would be taking that as the same thing.

I believe in Christ, so I take both as Merry Christmas, with the added wish for a Happy New Year, from the person who said Happy Holidays. I don't overthink this stuff, you guys. (Although, if I were Jewish, I'd probably get more out of the Happy Holidays.)





123Friendster.com - More Happy Holidays Comments     What I'm trying to say, is that you shouldn't let these things that aren't meant to be hurtful, as something hurtful. This isn't someone trying to be politically correct. (Unless you're actually talking to a politician.)

No one is trying to take Christ out of Christmas. We've been saying "Happy Holidays" since forever. Let's not make it a thing. Bing Crosby sings Happy Holidays, in the movie Holiday Inn, and that was made in the 40's! Zero political correctness back then. Not to mention, he was a man devoted to his faith. Openly, you guys. The King of Christmas music. There was no so-called "War on Christmas" in the 40's.

Sounds grand, doesn't it?

Now, the whole "Holiday Tree" thing, I find annoying. I mean, it's a Christmas tree, people. No other faith has that custom. It's like referring to the Menorah as a "Festive Candelabra." The tree's soul purpose is to help celebrate the Christmas season.

But, I will say this: Although it may annoy me, that the government and a few select businesses take the "Holiday Tree" route, it doesn't stop me from enjoying MY  Christmas. I mean, why would it? My sister calls her Christmas tree Brutus. Should I get my Christmas socks in a bunch because of it?

No! One, because I actually find that quite endearing, because she got it from the Christmas cartoon, Noel, about the little red ornament who was born with a happiness. And two, because who cares? It's not affecting my glad tidings, comfort and joy, or my holly jolly Christmas.

So, if you see me in town, and want to wish me a Merry Christmas, I'm all in! And if you want to say Happy Holidays, I'm all in! Because it's Christmas! It's the holidays! And I plan to keep Christmas well.

God Bless us, everyone!