‘Tis the season for the giving of thanks. Some people at their family gatherings go around the table and tell exactly what they are thankful for. We’ve done it many times with my own family but yesterday, on Thanksgiving, as we congregated around in my grandmother’s dining room, we began the meal with a poignant and relevant proclamation by Abraham Lincoln from October 3, 1863.

On this day with this speech, President Lincoln set the precedent for the national holiday of Thanksgiving.�

In the words of our sixteenth president, he invites all the citizens of the United States, on this land, out to sea or in foreign lands, to reserve the last Thursday in November as a day to give thanks for all that we have in this country and to give thanks to a higher power, without whom none of this would be possible. President Lincoln asked us to offer ascriptions that are rightfully due for the blessings we receive and to ask the help of that higher power to preserve the peace, harmony, tranquility and union of...

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  It’s that time. We have yet to sit down for a turkey dinner and Christmas decorations have taken over. It’s that time where you spend a lot, eat a lot and tell yourself- a lot- that this New Year’s Eve WILL be the best.   It’s hard to hold on to traditions as you get older and shift around in your young adult life. With this line of work it is even hard to find the time to get home and spend it with family. So, you have to get creative!   Aside from the biological family- I have my friends family and work family. For the third year in a row, my roommate and I will host an “Everything but the Turkey” dinner the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. This is a dinner of only your favorite side dishes, because let’s face it- who has the time to cook a turkey? The event is always something to look forward to and never ceases to amaze me the amount of diversity our group of friends represents.   As for the real t-day, this year looks like I will be meeting my parents half way. 2 ½ drives are tough for a less than 24 hour visit, so meeting in the middle is will be the creative approach. Of course it’s not what you would call traditional- but that’s what keeps life interesting. Plus, it doesn’t matter where you are or what you eat- as long has you are in the company of those you love and who love you....

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When I was younger, my mom said I would always walk around on my tip-toes.

I suppose that was some serious foreshadowing to the way I would spend the next twenty some odd years of my life—dancing around on those same little toes. Dance has given me almost everything that is wonderful in my life. The art has required much from my mind and my body, but in return it has given me more than I could have ever asked for. It has been my Giving Tree.

So it is no wonder that even though I do not dance quite like I used to before I entered this so-called real world we working folk live in, it still sucks me in, mesmerizing like a Siren. It makes me very upset when So You Think You Can Dance ends each season. Nutcracker week is one of my favorites, though I might not have a lot of back-up on that one here. I still hear certain songs and say “I’m must choreograph a dance to this song!” and begin to form the movements and combinations with imaginary dancers in my head. But I’m sure most other dancers would say...

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It’s that time of year again. When you walk outside and you smell funnel cake and cows! That’s right, Fair time!

The K-girl adventure this week was attending the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair- which we wouldn’t miss for the world.  This year we decided to steer clear of any of the rides which turn you upside down and/ or spin.  In the past we tried to be dare devils and really take on the “thrill rides” if you will, but we were more focused on the food this time and kept it calm.

We started off the evening with a refreshing beverage and walked the entirety of the grounds.  It was a beautiful night to just take the time to be outside! Everything you can think of is there to ride- the famous Gravitron, the swings, Ring of Fire, so many more, but we were going to keep our first ride simple- the carousel.  Yes, we looked a bit silly- but who cares!

Next up took a little convincing on Katie’s part. The Big Ben! She at first did not want to attempt this one and pretty much screamed at me the whole time with her eyes closed during the ride, but I think she loved it. The Big Ben is where you sit in a chair and it shoots you straight up, sort of Tower of Terrorish…if you will. I laughed the whole time, but was nervous because I did have my camera in my hand.  I wanted a good photo op of the city from way up there!

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10. My light-up flashing Bacardi devil horns

I tend to keep holiday things around past the time that they should be out. Note the flashing light-up Bacardi devil horns that were for 364 days prior to now hidden behind my monitor along with my dozen less one dead good luck roses. Those horns are now on my head spreading the spooky goodness throughout the office. It is nice to finally put them to use again.

9. My very sweet looking silver sparkly ghost decoration on my office door.

So referencing the prior entry, I am not the only one who tends to not clean house after a holiday. On my door is last year’s ghost ornament keeping my doorknob cozy, but before you judge, take a look at my coworker’s door. Matching sparkly pumpkins and witch heads hang just as they did one year ago today. I guess you could say we are conservative with our decorative efforts.

8. Reusing old dance costumes that would otherwise collect dust in my closet.

Thank goodness for the nearly twenty years of dance...

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2008- Quite a year.

I just got back into town from a celebration unlike any other.

To reflect back for a moment though, this year has been packed with similar festivities. So far in the year 2008 I have helped loved ones celebrate around 7 25th birthdays, including my own, a 25th anniversary, 2 60th birthdays, a 75th and finally 2 80th birthdays.

I have just returned for upstate New York, where I traveled with my mother and brother for the first time in over 10 years to stay w/ my Aunt, her 5 kids and significant others- all to surprise our Pop with and 80 years of living party! The last 5 days have been a whirlwind of family, catchphrase, pumpkins, pasta, bowling and beer.

My Pop is one of 11 kids, whew!  This made for a unique party- over 60 family members, many of whom I had never even met before. The party was a smashing success and I can’t believe we pulled it off as a complete surprise!

Of course, being away made me also miss my other family- my Florida Theatre family....

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Today is October 17, 2008.

From today, there are 75 days left until 2009. Ziggy Marley was born on October 17. Tennessee Ford died on October 17. This date is the International Day of the Eradication of Poverty. On this day in 1979, Mother Theresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and in 2007, the Dalai Lama received the United States Congressional Gold Medal.

Today might not be New Years or Thanksgiving or one of the more noted dates on our calendar, but history still has something to show for October 17. And so do I...

It is a simple question, what is your hobby or what do you do for fun? Many people answer with painting, dancing, singing, reading, etc. and for the longest time I never really was sure what mine is.

I realize it is being a part of the American Advertising Federation of Jacksonville.  I know, doesn’t sound too “fun” or even much like a hobby- but for me it is something I enjoy.

For three years I have been a part of this organization and I couldn’t be luckier for the experiences and opportunities it has given me. My whole life I have been involved with clubs and groups and always like to have a leadership role or be in charge of something.  With AAF Jax I have been in charge of socials, program luncheons, attended numerous conferences and awards ceremonies and now currently planning the city’s annual advertising awards, The ADDYS.

I have loved the last 3 years, obviously since I keep coming back for more, but this year in particular is going to be a great one.  With the ADDY co-chair position...

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I live a privileged life.

I say that for many reasons, but one being that my job allows me to experience a lot of really great music—some that I haven’t ever heard of before and some that could very well replace a limb as it is that much a part of who I am. Someone once said music is love in search of a word. I don’t remember who said that, but the meaning is not lost without attribution. Sometimes music expresses what other communication cannot…or should not for that matter.

So let me take a step back. Ask me what concert in all of the history I would want to travel back in time for, hopefully in a snazzy Willy Wonka-like elevator? I would have to say the 1975 Bob Marley and the Wailers concert at the Lyceum Ballroom in London from which the greatest live version of No Woman No Cry was recorded. If you have ever heard that version (and if you have not, shame on you), you will understand what I’m talking about. I have always dreamed of what that would have been like, to be in the same room of what...

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With our 25th Anniversary of the restoration right around the corner, we are pleased to announce another restoration we have almost completed!

As many of you have noticed our website has gone through quite an extreme makeover, one it needed! The main reason behind the change was so that we, the staff have the ability to update the site daily. In this business things are constantly changing and now the site can change with us.

One of the best parts of the new site is the interactive blog! What a concept!!! We received many complaints before about our novel of a blog and how you couldn’t leave or make a comment. Well now you can so start letting us know what you think.  As you can tell, Katie and I are pretty random about what we choose to blog about. But thanks to everyone who reads it!

Something else we felt very important to include in the site is the information about our annual Art After Dark. In the past we had a completely separate site for this, but now it is so easy to find! Look under...

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