The Cass Collection

CAPES [something empowering] My family and roomie took a trip to the zoo. They thought it would be a good idea to go to the raptor show (otherwise known as "birds with talons" show), thinking it might help me face my fear of birds (owls in general). I did okay with Hawk #1. Hawk #2 was huge, and I put on my hood for protection. Falcon #1 flew over my head, so I closed my eyes. And when they brought out The Owl, I ran away as fast as I could. Empowering thought of the day: trust your instincts.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] BIG NEWS: the sequel to my favorite book - Mourning Becomes Cassandra - is about to be released! The author comes to us from our very own eastside: Christina Dudley is a fabulous and lovely lady, and her writing style/storyline will draw you in and keep you there until the last page. I read the first book in one sitting, and I fully expect the same out of the sequel - The Littlest Doubts - coming soon to Amazon and a book club near you. I have seven spots on my bookshelf reserved for the Cass Collection...so keep 'em coming, Christina!

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] I just bought the metallic version of topsiders to add to my shoe collection and am seriously wondering what is preventing me from spray painting the majority of my shoes in metallic colors. Bling bling, here I come!

And the day came when the risk it took to remain tightly closed in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to bloom... Anaïs Nin

CAPES [something empowering] You have the power to recreate yourself.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Encaustic art: I'm hooked and can't keep away from the wax...but I really need a blow torch. Anyone have one that I can have/borrow?

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Break ups are like side aches. They hurt really bad for a while, but they always go away.

*artwork shown is by my favorite encaustic artist: Wendy Franklund Miller

You can't interrupt a multi-tasker.

CAPES [something empowering] Are you an interruptible person? Don't take yourself so seriously. Learn to be interruptible or you might miss out on something more important than yourself. That, or learn how to be an incredible multi-tasker.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Almost more than running into Dave himself, I love running into songs that I haven't heard it a while, especially songs I had forgotten I loved so much! The Idea Of You is that song for me today. Loving Wings was that for me yesterday (and I was in the audience for this recording...and yes, I did cry the first time I heard it).

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] This week, I finally received my upgrade for my iPhone. Instead of waiting in long, frustrating lines at AT&T, I decided to try out Radioshack. Radioshack took good care of me, as well as gave me $170 for my old iPhone. Radioshack, where have you been all my life? Thank you for the cash...and yea, I already spent it.

three years with emily.

CAPES [something empowering] i'm not patient enough to appreciate patience. but that's not how patience works. patience isn't about whether or not you like it. in fact, patience isn't about you at all. it's outside of who you are and what you think you want. patience looms and will stare you in the face until you're brave enough to stare back at it, and then walk with it for a mile or two (or three...or four...).

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] I love these posters. I want the heart and brain ones, but just recently got the screenprint of seattle in blue.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] three years ago today, I met emily. every day, I love her more. she is the bestest roommate. ever. even though it's only been three years, we live like an old married couple as we both have funny quirks and odd living habits [but though I liken us to an old married couple, let the record show we both still prefer boys].

out with the old.

CAPES [something empowering] I refer to "the old annie" often. Sometimes in conversation, but mostly to myself saying: "the old annie would have done this, but the new annie isn't going to do that." I believe in re-inventing myself with the start of each day. All my yesterdays are filled with the old annies, all my todays are filled with the new annie's that will tomorrow be the old annie's. Learn from your mistakes and start afresh each day with the new you that's learned from the yesterdays of the old you.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Lately, I've been making a lot of thai curry. It's not complicated. If you've got corriander, cumin, coconut cream, red curry paste, sugar, basil, peanuts, fish sauce and some kind of meat, you're good to go. If you want the recipe, I can give it to you. Super easy, super fast, super delicious.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] I listen to a John Mayer Pandora Radio station while I'm at work, only because it plays more Dave than it does John. Does anyone else find that odd?

cold turkey.

CAPES [something empowering] The best way to kick a bad habit is to quit cold turkey. Don't look back. Don't ease yourself out of it. Just stop it already. My friend and I recently gave up something...to remain nameless, of course...but we quit cold turkey and aren't looking back. Go us!

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Update on jeggings: I still want them.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] As an amendment to the "CAPES" section, I think it is worth mentioning that its wisdom should be applied only to harmful things, such as smoking, drugs, keeping bad company, picking your nose, destructive behavior, gossipping, unhealthy relationships, etc. [you get the point]. However, it should not be applied to things where moderation is the key - like eating cookies. You should never quit that. Just remember: everything in moderation [including moderation].

Never underestimate the tragedy of chapped lips.

CAPES [something empowering] Ladies, listen up. We have an obligation here. I call it the "Girl Alliance". Basically, it's throwing female competitiveness out the window, and looking out for each other. Among other inappropriate and un-post-able comments, the following was overheard at a coffee shop the other day: some guy says to cute girl, "The hot dog in my pants is on spring clearance." She needs a hero, and by all means it's not him. If you want to be a member of the Girl Alliance, part of that means saying to the girl: "Honey, get out. Now." Let's do this. Join me.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] I recently cleaned out my chapstick/lipgloss drawer. And by "cleaned out" I mean organized. My findings: around 40 different tubes of various sticks and glosses. I could probably go the rest of my life without needing to purchase a new tube...and yet...

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] The other day I was at a pub. A woman walked in wearing the following: REI khaki pants that have the zipper option to convert into shorts paired with cute heels. I'm not judging her, but why? Why that combo? Maybe the Girl Alliance should address this issue as well.