New Day, New Look!

While black and blue American lives struggle to be heard above political rhetoric, fanatic Islamic terrorists plot their next wave of blood and hate, and Pacific Islanders (and so many others) cry out against rapidly rising tides, I wanted to take a moment to tell you there really is such a place as Camp Happiness. And the people who live there really are happy. And fun. And REAL. And wonderful. It's hard to cry when you're busy singing, hard to doubt when there's always a smile and a hug at the ready, and impossible to hate when you're surrounded by so much love. I wish there was a way to package this *peace* I'm feeling and send it out to everyone; I suspect we could all use a little Camp Happiness vibe right about now.

All I've got, though, is a new look. And a new name. I can't say I'm sold on the color scheme, yet, but it might grow on me. Regardless, I hope the changes inspire you to poke around more, read more, share more, and - ultimately - love more. No, I don't have a theme here, but I DO write about things most of us care about, like family, music, life, relationships, toddlers, prostitution, NASCAR, and Willie Nelson. I've even mentioned that Kid Rock guy a time or two.

What I'm trying to say is: If you're looking for a little distraction, there are worse places to be. And I'm happy you're here. :)

~ Dawn

What Can I Say...

A lot's gone on in my world these past several months. I went from Washington D.C. to Washington state in July to celebrate our family's 8th Annual Hillbilly Luau, discovered my 83-year-old dad was sick, stayed on longer thinking I could make him better, flew home to Florida to catch MagFest at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, flew back to Washington state to help Dad die, lost my mind for a little while, returned to Suwannee for SpringFest, and only recently started to think about packing for my return to the Pacific Northwest next month for Dad's memorial BBQ. What I'm trying to say is, posting to the blog hasn't been the highest priority.

But, life goes on. Bands of musicians tucked with their gear and support staff into minivans intended for families of four to periodically visit the aquarium or zoo have come and gone. Our peanut celebrated a second birthday. My siblings and I are emerging from the rubble. And, while I haven't been here talking (typing?) to you, I have been somewhat productive in other areas, like keeping the peanut alive while her mommy is at work and ensuring the bigger of the two big dogs made a full recovery after ACL surgery. I've even created memes. Yep, you read that right. The very things I've made fun of - with their stupid pictures and their stupid words - have become tools in my arsenal. Add it to the list of things I said I'd never do, yet suddenly find myself doing.

All that said, I promise I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Until then, I'll leave you with my last Facebook post:

Ten years ago, I blogged about boys & girls & sex & relationships. Five years later, I moved on to music & travel & family dynamics. Today, I think I'm gonna need all I learned from those last two eras to get through this next one…