The best advice I've ever been given

No ones happily ever after started with the story of oh, he had a girlfriend....

Fiction

It's every writers dream to border on the line of insane vs. sane, reality vs. fiction, what might have been vs. what might never be. That dark place where creativity blossoms is a joyous place for an artist. Somewhere people can't go with them. Somewhere people can draw them into. As a writer and an artist it's the darkest places that breed the brightest thoughts. One can only ever hope they left enough breadcrumbs to climb back out at some point or leave enough of a trail behind that the art will be discovered and appreciated for it's beauty even if it comes from the obscenely darkest place of beauty in someone's life.

Father's Day

God I miss him! I still consider myself the luckiest girl in the world to have had the father I did. This picture makes me smile :-)

Stanley Cupcakes!

I'm a die hard Kings fan. Hockey if you have to ask. I grew up at the Forum Club. Went to hundreds of games with my father who was also a die hard fan. We never faltered on loyalty. Lots of seasons without ever a title. 19 years ago they were Smythe Division champs which doesn't even exist now.
In February my father and I were watching a game. Kings weren't even a contender at that point and he turned to me and said, "Manda Cole, Kings are going to win the cup this year!" I wasn't so optimistic at that point and thought back two years ago where I was ever defending my choice of team to support against a hating Ducks fan and said, "Just you watch. In three years, we'll have a cup." My father was more correct than I was.
Yesterday we won. I have been fairly quiet during this post season. I didn't want to jinx anything. During regular season, I'm the first to call a game and make friendly bets which now I have so many Ducks fans that owe me dinners that I could never starve.
So they did it. I'm in shock. I'm not a fan of many things and have never loved any men other than my daddy and grandpa like I love the Kings.
So cheers to the Stanley Cup Champions that have entertained me for years and provided so many amazing experiences and introductions to cool folks. In honor of my awesome week and at the request of a friend, I made Stanley Cupcakes.
Having hockey in June was amazing. Being a lifelong Kings fan, it doesn't get any better.
Love and Cupcakes!

Little B****

I spent the day enjoying the sun with my darling Sadie. She's going to be 9 years old not long after I turn 22.

Gosh I love her even though she keeps me up at night especially when it rains. She is the worst guard dog ever, won't fetch, won't play. Has to be near me 98% of the time or she's freaking out.
So when I couldn't find her this evening, I thought she was out chasing deer in the Hundred Acre Wood...I was concerned. She generally comes running like a bat out of hell if I call her. Nope, not tonight. The little b**** was in my father's former room...chilaxing like she doesn't have a problem in the world.
*note to self; teach old dog new tricks because she's up to some of her own!

Tennessee 101:4

Laying out in the back yard is a workout. The amount of kicks, arm swats, crunches to see what's crawling on me and waving of potential bugs is a better workout than yoga. It's keeping me alert.

Bubba and Norris Lake

I've met a couple of Bubba's in my life. All of them memorable characters and always the nicest human beings. I'm not sure how one gets the nickname Bubba but I am fairly certain it requires being über awesome and filled with a history of stories and a natural charisma that draws good people to you. I also think it has something to do with fishing, but nothing to do with Forrest Gump.

Meet Bubba from Norris Dam Marina. I promise you won't forget him if you ever meet him. He's full of charm and sweet energy. I can't sing his praises enough.
Uncle Bob, his wife Bev and I decided to head down to their marina after our squash blossoms. The outdoor tables at the restaurant were filled with a bachelorette party of twenty or so women, some random couples, groups of drunken friends, and Bubba was holding down the fort next to another table.

Uncle Bob greeted Bubba as they are familiar friends from the marina. Bubba lives on a houseboat about five slips away from Uncle Bob's boat. Bubba promptly asked Bob if I was his granddaughter, to which Bob replied, "Yes." Bev chimed in and then Bob explained our relationship. Bob was my daddy's best friend for 50 years. He's family to me even without the bloodline. The table next to him was open. Prime seating if you ask me. Great view, near the speakers blasting music and next to Bubba.

Bob introduced me to Bubba as Amanda. The conversation quickly changed from Bubba flattering me with compliments to a conversation about Waylon and Willie and wild times. If you need last names for those men then you need to read a different blog. Bubba promptly beckoned the marina owner's son to put on some Waylon, where I was promised a serenade when the song featuring my name came on. Bob and Bubba shared stories of Waylon and Willie and Kris. All of whom were friends of their's and my father's at some point. It was wonderful. Bubba came thru on his serenade and I enjoyed it. It was truly a pleasure to be in his company this evening.
When Bubba retired to his boathouse, Bob explained that not too long ago Bubba had all kinds of medical ailments and was brought back from the dead. I never would have know the physical hardships he's recently faced but I am so thankful for the time I was able to spend with him. He was a fishing guide on the lake but no longer fishes.
Bubba is awesome. So full of life, charm, positivity, wisdom and I absolutely can't wait to go back and have another beer with Bubba.