Friday Favorite: Thank you to our Veterans--home and abroad

When Veteran's Day rolls around, I always think of "veterans" in flashes of made up black and white photographs from my mind's eye.  These images all have a distinctly WWII vibe. I think it's my way of distancing myself from the hard truth.

Kind of like that kid who thinks food just shows up at the grocery store.

In reality, men and women sacrifice every day so I can eat Oreos and enjoy my kids and vote my conscience and have a business and drive a car and have a full tummy and be warm at night and.... be an American.

My husband and I are lucky enough to know friends and family members who have served or are currently serving in the military. They aren't black and white photos. They're flesh and blood citizens with whom we've shared laughter, food, and memories.

I'm in awe of their bravery and grateful for their service--and for the service of their families.

Two of my sorority sisters posted the following link on their Facebook pages regarding 10 Things You May Not Know About Military Wives It's worth a read.

TV Tuesday: American Idol Takes Oklahoma by Storm

The storms that ravaged our country last week wrecked lives. I'm grateful my loved ones are all safe, but my heart aches for the families who lost everything.  A particular story touched my heart and made me snuggle my little one a little longer and a little closer. Click here to see how you can help. Or click here to donate to the Red Cross. Click here for the Salvation Army.

It may seem shallow of me to write about American Idol and the tragic storms together, but they are linked in my brain. In an attempt to keep Oklahomans safe last week, the news stations across the state preempted all programming--including the final performances of Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina. My little family missed the teens while strategizing whether to drive to my brother's home and leap in his hidey-hole or set up a fort in an interior closet.

If I'd known what happened to the Hamil family, we would have gone to my brother's.  Installing a storm shelter UNDERGROUND is now on our list of to-dos.

I mean, we live on a hill.

In Oklahoma.

We don't allow a lot of tv watching, but my son's internal calendar tells him the nights it's time to snuggle with Mommy and watch American Idol.  I loved when he cuddled and clapped.

What show can I replace it with that is family friendly and inspirational?

Again, click on the above links to help storm victims.

TV Tuesday: James Durbin is my American Idol

I've never watched so many episodes of American Idol.  The feel-good attitude of the new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez combined with the talent and diversity of the contestants pulls me back each week.

One singer who even managed to reel in my husband and anchor him to the television set is James Durbin.

Hubby probably wouldn't be thrilled to know I shared that he watches American Idol, but he does.  Or rather, he did.

James Durbin was eliminated last week.

Now what do we do?

We both love James. He had me at his audition.

He really had me at his story.

Even though his mother claims he's always had perfect pitch, he's had a less than harmonious existence.  Not only does he have Tourette's, but he also has Aspergers.  Meeting "an angel" changed his life. Then he and Heidi had their son.  Watching him each week was special for me because his passion for music and his family resonated.

How many other contestants auditioned because they couldn't afford diapers?

Sure, the remaining three are talented, too, or I couldn't have watched so long.  Read here to see what I said about them a few weeks ago. Scotty and Lauren are sweet with beautiful voices. Hayley is the underdog whose talent and va-va-va-voom led her to the top three.

But James is a well-rounded artist.

Durbin visualized each performance--flaming pianos, marching drummers and all--and created it on a storyboard.  The others admitted to stressing about what to wear each week, but Durbin designed his own costumes.  The guy has stage presence. He included the camera and the live audience in a natural way that many others still haven't mastered.

I'm amazed at his talent.

So, James, you asked in one of my favorite performances: Will you still love me tomorrow? 

Yes, James. Yes, we will.

Let us know when you're on tour, and we'll be there.

TV Tuesday: American Idol

Years have passed since I watched American Idol.  After this season's first show, I tuned in.

After all, Steven Tyler was a judge.

STEVEN TYLER! 



In the past, I never liked the early shows that exemplified what happens in America to kids who are told they can do and be anything. C'mon, people, the skills aren't always there.  Don't lie to your kids and encourage them to humiliate themselves on reality television.  If someone can't carry a tune in a bucket, don't tell him he can.


Fortunately, this is not the case with the top 11 contestants who will all be on tour this summer. They are talents. Each one of them is different. Each one brings something special to the stage.

During last week's elimination round, the judges showed just how different this season is.



Casey, Casey, Casey.

I agree with the judges that you should not have been out last week. (I don't even think the bottom three was accurate.) You were saved by judges for another performance, but I'm really concerned about your health. Please take care of yourself. Your style is unique and it's fun to watch a performer who feels the music from the top of his furry head to the tips of his toes.

In the spirit of this year's kinder, gentler American Idol, I'd like to address the remaining contestants. 
I'm certain they are far too busy to read my blog, but in case they wander across it or can somehow feel the vibe across the cosmos, these are my wishes for them.

Lauren Alaina: You are precious.  They've totally glammed you up the last couple of weeks. I hope you're enjoying it like every girl your age deserves to enjoy prom and other dress-up opportunities.  Have fun, but please stay true to yourself. Don't let anyone steal your inner sparkle.

Paul McDonald: Your voice is instantly recognizable. Your quirkiness is endearing. I know I'd download a few of your songs.  Please don't turn out to be creepy or anything.

Pia Toscano: You are Whitney Houston and Celine Dion. You are the stuff movie songs are made of.

James Durbin: I love your devotion to your "angel" wife and child.  I also love how you rock the stage. Not only would I download your songs, but I would go to your concerts.  Rock on, Durbin!

Jacob Lusk: Your talent, like Pia's, is legendary.

Haley Reinhart: That husky voice is unforgettable.  I wish you luck because I'd love to have a few of your songs on my playlist.

Thia Megia: You have the talent, and when you have the life experience you will be a superstar.  In the meantime, I expect "them" to make you a Disney princess. Please don't go the way of the other Disney musicians.  Stay that sweet girl who wears the cutesy sweaters--at least on the inside.


Stefano Langone: Mmm-mmm. I love your sexy voice.  In order to remain on the show, listen to the judges and open your d#$%ed eyes.  Got it?  Connect with the audience. Those girl want to pretend you're singing to them. Don't hide from them, baby.

Scotty McCreery: Many people love your deep voice--which is remarkable--but I also love that you showed what it's like to be a man, even though you're seventeen. When you apologized to that boy during Hollywood Week and said you should have stood up for him, I knew you were a country singer.  We like our country singers to be as pure of heart as the lyrics they sing.  Please don't lose that.

Naima Adedapo: From the first show, I loved your heart.  I was so proud of you last week when you didn't miss a note and gave a concert-style performance that showed who you really are and hinted at what amazing potential you have. You are a performer. I hope to see your show one day.

What do you think of the contestants this year?

"And your next American Idol is..."

That's were my DVR cut it off. Can you frickin' believe it?!

The envelope was in Seacrest's hand.

The two Davids were waiting.

America was waiting.

I was waiting.

And the recording stopped. GRRR! I'd been so faithful this season and this was how the tv gods repaid me?

Admittedly, I agreed with Simon that I didn't really care which David won because I like them both (although, my hubby seems to have a serious case of the negative against Archie for some reason). There's something to Cook's gravelly voice and his ability to rock out any song, but there's also something so sweet and true to the tone of Archuletta's vocals.

Sure, I know who won. And...sure, I only taped it so that I could skip the commercials, and by that time I'd caught up to real time. HOWEVER, I'm not smart enough or quick enough to switch the buttons instantly and see it. By the time I was able to get it back to the station, Cook's eye liner was smudging from tears of joy and he was taking the mic to sing.

Hey, at least I got to see him include the whole AI gang in his victory song.

To quote Archuletta, "Gosh" this season was so feel-good.

Using media? Use your brain.

What is going on with people using technology? I love the ease of access to information, but what is with people's inability to control themselves?

As long as email has been around we've known that lies and vitriol can be sent to as many people as one has in the address book. Now blogs and places like My Space and YouTube allow an even broader forum. And for some reason, many believe the trash with the mentality my grandmother once had about tabloid mags: "They wouldn't print it if it weren't true." Sadly, we've stopped thinking for ourselves and standing up for what is right.

Cowards find it easy to be brave sitting behind a computer screen--Brad Paisley's song "Online" went to #1. Why? We recognize the truth in the lyric, "I'm so much cooler online."

The taping of that girl's beating in Florida is a sad statement about our society. As I watched the interview, Pink's song "Stupid Girls" kept playing through my head. First of all, what possessed them to physically hurt another person? Second of all, what level of brain cells are they lacking that made them think it was a genius idea to tape it (gather evidence for the police) and post it on You Tube?

The girl who got damaged allegedly badmouthed the girls on her My Space page. This was a dumb thing to do. She was only out-dumbed by the girls who beat her up and the stupid boys who stood guard. If the girl had written false things on her site, I think all parties were wrong and should be punished--legally.

Teens and younger have a lot of power in the media and they need to realize it. As Spider-Man knows, "With great power, comes great responsibility." Authorities need to give youth credit for their brainpower and hold them accountable. Laws should be passed and enforced about online abuse. Let's face it. Adults can be as stupid as those girls on the video.

I don't get it.

Still, while those teenagers are sitting in a detention center--and they totally deserve it--American Idol gave back last night. It was really cool to see so many people take their success and show that they still believe it's important to "give back." Last year they raised $76 M. This year is certain to surpass that number.

I was disappointed in one aspect, however, because I totally wanted to see Miley Cyrus interact with David Archuletta. I'm guessing he would blush and grin while she headbanged her long curls. How cute a couple would they be? Wouldn't you love for them to sing a duet?I know for a fact neither one of them would be stupid or mean enough to plaster evil-doings on the internet.

American Idol

I'm an on again/off again American Idol fan. This season, I'm on. Once they weed out the people who should know better than to embarrass themselves by auditioning for a singing competition, I'm all ears. This season's talent is really incredible.

For the most part.

But was booting off Amanda really the right choice last night? Granted, her performance was not stellar, but was she the worst?

Why, oh, why does the Cook girl make it through to the next level every week even though she's repeatedly ranked in the bottom? No, wait... I know.

She's cute.

Even my hubby will pause in whatever he is doing to watch a bit of the show if she's singing.

However, this week decided who gets to go on tour. So, America, when you pay to see her in concert, remember you voted off the girl with the blues-y soul in favor of a an adorable girl who struggled with "pitch" as well as rhythm in a popular Beatles song. Now, on the tour, ticket payers will have to endure similar torture "Eight Days a Week."