What do you get for the people who seem to have everything?

You do what I did...have an artistic friend draw a portrait of your dog. No really, I did that. I never know what to get my mom & step-dad for Christmas. You name it, they have it. But the one thing they can never get enough of...anything with Bristol's face on it.

I don't know that Keith will ever be satisfied with his finished products, but I adore the drawing and I know my parents will too. Now, the only problem I have is, who to give it to? I honestly think I'll give it to my mom because I have another project in mine for my step-dad for his birthday, in July. That should give Keith plenty of time to finish it and be proud of his work.

A few weeks ago, Keith finally started a website for his art. I may be partial because he is my friend and all, but I think the kid's got talent. He's suppose to make t-shirts with some of his artwork on it and I even got the OK from Pete for him to hang some pieces in his coffee shop downtown. He'll sign his pieces, ilRokery, take a look at what he's posted so far. See something you like, let me know!

THE HOBBIT Trailer

The nerd in me is going bananas....

What happened to 2011?

I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way, but what in the heck happened to 2011?! I thought 2010 was jam packed, but I feel like I haven't stopped traveling this year.

Starting in March, I think I've taken about eight "vacations". Some of them were quick weekend trips to Nashville or Orlando, but all of them helped recharge the batteries and realize how blessed I am to have such an amazing circle of family and friends.

Speaking of friends, 2011 was a year of total re-connection. Friendships I thought would never see the light of day were back with a vengeance. And friendships I never thought would exist, came out of no where.

2012, it's going to be hard to top 2011, but I can't wait to see where this next year will take me...buckle up and enjoy the ride!

I'll Be There - The Jackson 5

Michael Jackson the Immortal World Tour - the review

While in Vegas, I ventured to Cirque du Soleil's: Michael Jackson, the Immortal World Tour. Now, the only other Cirque show I've seen is The Beatles: LOVE. Obviously, you can't compare one to the other, but the MJ show left me in tears.

It's hard to explain the show without photos, but the "story" centered around his lack of childhood. Many of his songs were haunting and the dancers were off the chain.

My favorite was the dancer with 1 leg. He was so inspiring. He was in a lot of dance numbers and the crowd went nuts every time he took center stage.

The show ran about 2 hours and left me wanting more. There were a few things that I didn't like. The "Thriller", "Beat It" and "Bad" sequences were way too short. For "Thriller" I was hoping they'd have Michael dancing in the background.

And I didn't really like how they combined "Beat It" and "Bad". But I loved the "Smooth Criminal" sequence. I was starting to get antsy toward the end. I was worried they weren't going to do "Billie Jean". But they did that I loved the outfits. They were like old school Adidas track suits. But when the lights went off, the trims and sneakers lit up.

I started to cry right before the encore. The main curtain dropped and they projected a young, Jackson 5 Michael. He was singing "I'll be There". I kept hoping that he would pop up on stage at any given moment.

All I have to say is, if you're a Michael Jackson or Cirque fan. This is a must see show. Don't worry if you can't make it to Vegas by the end of the year. The tour will travel the country in 2012 and then take up permanent residence at the Mandalay Bay in 2013.

All I Want For Christmas is You

14

That's how many days I'm actually working this month. I'm not quite sure what happened to November or how we're a month away from 2012.

The last 2 years have been filled with lots of adventure, headache, heartbreak & growth. I wouldn't change a thing. Guess I better finish out 2011 in style...