I have literally never said this before and I’m afraid I will never say it again. But this article, Turning, is probably my favorite thing I’ve had the pleasure of writing. I’m so so proud that I get to post it at (in)courage- it’s like my beach house for writing, so I go there as much as possible.

I don’t say all this “favorite article ever” junk to brag. I say this to say, “you better check it out cause it’s all downhill from there.”

But I will brag about this. My friends Amber and Ash have done their second installment of Amber&Ash- a super cool idea where Amber, a stylist, gives Ash a room to design based off of a stylish outfit (Ash is an interior designer) and then Ash gives Amber a room and she makes a sassy outfit to fit the room. It is possibly one of my favorite things to read.

Amber’s blog = outfit to room

Ash’s blog = room to outfit

Y’all have a great weekend. Mine is packed with great friends in town, a wedding, a baby shower, time at the pool [fingers crossed], brunch at Marche, finishing my talks for Lake Geneva, and pretty much running full force into as much awesome as possible.

TGIF, people. TGIF.

I just have to make a list.

You know how I feel about lists.

– I just finished reading the third book in Mary DeMuth’s Defiance Texas Triology. It’s called Life in Defiance and I am telling y’all, this has been one of the most enjoyable series I have read in a while. I highly HIGHLY recommend it.

– I’m rather fiction spoiled right now. I also just read Hurricanes in Paradise by my friend Denise Hildreth. I’ve always loved her stuff, and this new book did not disappoint. I laughed, I teared up, I wanted to go to the beach. Amen.

– I’m writing today over at (in)courage about this picture. Check it out, yo.

And yes, I did take this picture at Frothy Monkey. Of course. Because I love Frothy. In fact, I’m headed there in approximately 9 minutes. Then I’m going to the YMCA. Even though I walked out of a sculpt class yesterday- the teacher was mean, so I peaced out.

Tangent complete.

– Donald Miller directed me to this blog a few months and now I’m addicted. Kelle Hampton takes beautiful pictures; her art is her photos and her words. You need to read the post about her daughter Nella Cordelia. That will be enough to make you want more.

– The other blog I’m a newish fan of is Natalie Lloyd. I’ve known Natalie for a long time via Susie Magazine, but I just recently began reading her blog and there is a real chance that we share some parts of our brains. I don’t know the science behind it, I just know that sometime we think the same things. So if you like me a little bit, I bet you’ll like her more.

And for today, I think that is enough.

Happy Friday.

Booyah.

I have two friends who call me “Fancy” and I don’t know if it is more an homage to my love for Reba or because I am, in fact, very fancy. But either way, it is deeply endearing.

[I tell you the weirdest things. I can't help it. Sorry.]

There are three seriously awesome things about today. And I’m gonna tell you about all of them right now.

1. SALLY THE GRADUATE

My baby sister graduates from Auburn University today. I literally cannot believe it. When I left for college, she was in 4th grade. It seems that I blinked and she’s now graduating herself. I could not be more proud and impressed with her ability to be a student and an adult. She’s awesome.

The best part? She’s leaving Auburn. And going to grad school at UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA. You know that old story of the prodigal son in the Bible? Yeah, we’re living it.

[Kidding, Sally. Don't call me all mad and stuff. Ok? Ok.]

[Oh, and this isn't your graduation gift. I actually have something for you. I promise.]

2. THE GET FIT CHALLENGE

Ends today. Phew. Not that I’m tired of being healthy- I actually seriously like that part. But I will not miss weighing on television. I won’t miss weighing at all. But specifically weighing on TV.

I just wrote my final post at the Annie Gets Fit blog. Enjoy.

After our final weigh in this afternoon, I will be getting a manicure and a pedicure. Sure, that’s too much information, but we’ve already gone over that I tell you weird things. But I figure mani/pedi is a better use of my time and money than a trip to Golden Corral. [Am I right or am I right?]

3. SETH GODIN

I find out today whether or not I will be spending next week in New York City. [Here's a quick reminder of why I would be in NYC with Seth Godin.] I have no inclination one way or the other. If I make it, I will be THU-RILLED and will begin to giggle immediately. If I don’t make it, I’ll be okay because my bestie Betsy will be in town next week and so I will get to see her.

So that makes for a seriously rad Friday. Hope your Friday is equally cool.

I’ll let y’all know when I know about Seth Godin. And I’ll let you know if I won the Get Fit Challenge on May 25th. [Sorry, gotta follow the rules.] And I’ll let you know if Sally leaves me an anger-filled voicemail on her graduation day.

PS- I made a video for SheSeeks yesterday about the Nashville floods and Compassion Intl and my shirt is all catawampus. So that’s cool [sarcasm].

First of all, thank you for your sweet comments and personal emails you sent yesterday, and for the last week, regarding the floods here. In fact, I got multiple emails from people headed our way to help volunteer. Amazing.

Here’s a few things for you on your Tuesday.

Tuesday is always the day that new music releases and I am THU-RILLED to tell you about a musician you may not know. Jake Ousley. He’s a sweet friend of mine and I absolutely love what he writes and how he sings. He’s also REALLY funny. Which you know goes a long way with me.

His first EP releases today. And if you have $5.94 that you are willing to drop on a new musician, this is where you should do it.

Here is the link to iTunes. Enjoy, my friends. Kentucky Moon is a personal fav of mine. Also, someone you know VERY well wrote his bio, so you can read that here.

Also, my friend Ishita has launched a new online magazine called fear.less. Now. Let me tell you. Don’t start reading unless you are willing to be brave- personally, professionally, all of it. Because these stories make you want to be the best you. Really, it is amazing and inspiring and I think you’ll love it. [That's why I'm telling you about it. I don't tell you about things I think you will hate.]

Also, I have a new Get Fit Segment that aired last week and I am SO SO proud of it. Unfortunately, they won’t let me embed it [whah whah], so I’m just going to have to beg you to CLICK THE LINK and watch it. Please?

[And I'm only telling you this because we are such good friends, but I was SO SICK on the day we filmed this. Like, flu-ish. That's why my voice sounds like that of an SEC linebacker.]

I also forgot to tell you [whoops] that my monthly article published at (in)courage last week. It is about the Get Fit Challenge, so if you have heard enough of my jabber, forget it. But if you’d like to hear another part of the story, head on over.

Also remember that I’m at Flying Solo all month, blogging about being single and finding community.

Also thanks for loving me even when I send you on a wild click chase around the internet.

Tomorrow I will limit your clicking and I’ll just tell you about my new job.

Cause I actually have a real job. In Nashville.

Weird, but true.

I wanted to make a joke about being “bloggy-promiscuous” here, but really. I think that’s probably inappropriate. I’m not sure of the level of inappropriate, but it is probably somewhere above my average don’t-write-that level.

“Internet nerd” is a good enough title I guess, but it lacks zing.

Sorry.

But here’s the thing. I’ve got some fun writing stuff going on this month all over the internet, so I wanted to make sure you knew about it.

First of all, my sweet friend [and writing mentor] Denise Hildreth asked me to guest post for her this month on her singles blog- Flying Solo. So everyday this month, I will be writing about how to find community and the importance of community when you are single.

So I think you should subscribe cause otherwise you are going to get SO sick of clicking over from my blog. Also. I write about my friends, interview a single girl in NYC, and talk honestly about being single ALL THE LIVELONG MONTH. Get ready.

Here are the first two posts:

• Monday Musings
• Tuesday Tips – where to find community

I’m reluctant to link to this next piece I’ve written, mainly because it is so raw and honest that I almost wish I would not have published it. If you’re a writer or a blogger, you probably know exactly what I mean. I cried like a baby when this post was complete. But I’m going to link you to it because I am so proud to be a part of SheSeeks, I want to give you the opportunity to read it.

But seriously, no pressure.

• SheSeeks- A Different Mother’s Day

[This part is cool- it's on christianity.com as well. So. That's kinda crazy.]

I head back to Nashville today. I have tons of bottled water and a sad heart. The river, I hear, is slowly receding. And the people are being beyond beautiful about the whole thing.

Some Nashville links:

• Nashvillest – still the greatest place for info [scroll down a few posts and you will see an absolutely heartbreaking picture of the Opry. Sigh...]
• Section 303: We Are Nashville - it made me cry.
• Giving Money- if you want to help and you aren’t in Nashville, I would recommend giving through Crosspoint Church. Just make sure you mark “Flood Relief Fund.” You can trust that every bit of that money will help my neighbors.

That’s enough for you today. Thanks for your love and support to Nashville. Don’t stop.

On a lighter note, I painted my fingernails Shrek green. And I love it.

Amen.

I have so many things to tell you about.

Just things. That are great. And I’m a big believer in sharing. So let’s do it.

EASY CLICK OF THE WEEK:

• My sweet friend Natalie has made it to the Top 10 to win a worldwide travel internship. Would you take literally two seconds to vote for her? You don’t have to give any info- just click a button. Done-ski.

GOOD SOUNDING CLICK OF THE WEEK:

• Dave Barnes’s album came out this week and y’all. People. Can’t. Get. Enough. I know I told you about it a few weeks ago, but here’s the link to the album if you haven’t gotten it yet.

GOOD SMELLING CLICK OF THE WEEK:

• My dear friend LoraLynn and her family are adopting a baby. And to help fund that, she has made her own laundry detergent that you can buy online. Seriously. MADE HER OWN SOAP. That’s dedication, people.

Here’s the link to HOPE SUDS.

Even just purchasing one bag of detergent would absolutely make a difference.

YOU’VE ALREADY READ THIS CLICK OF THE WEEK:

• Today at (in)courage, I am writing again about my friends who took me on a date. Because you, my people, seemed to really like that article, I reworked it and put it over there. HERE’S THE LINK.

FAV PRODUCT CLICK OF THE WEEK:

• Thanks to my dear Nester, I won a coupon holder/organizer from Jamie at The Organized Shopper. People. You need to look around her Etsy site. You mamas won’t be able to resist.

PAINFUL CLICK OF THE WEEK:

• Lyndsay and I barely survived this kickboxing class. And she was brave enough to write about the monster who taught it.

MOST AWESOME CLICK OF THE WEEK:

• What are some awesome things you’ve read this week? What have you written this week? Listened to this week? Purchased?

Share with me, bloggites.

It was that kind of weekend. The kind of weekend that you put up on a shelf and stare at for a little bit, and then say to yourself, “that was a keeper.”

I told you last week that one of my Nash-BFFs Betsy was in town. She moved away after Christmas and was here for a bit. She kinda just makes Nashville balance for me, so it was a gift for her to be here five days. [She also isn't easily impressed by my stories or humor, so she keeps me humble.]

Also, my friend Drew was in town from Washington, which ruled. It never stops amazing me how God decides which friendships stick in life. Drew is funny and normal [and a magician, so, who doesn't want a magician in their life?] and when all our friends stood around chatting before dinner Sunday night, he fit like he had always been here.

I’m grateful for pretty weather, Johnny Depp movies in the theater, Baja Burrito, the Get Fit Challenge pushing all my buttons, girlfriends who sit at Frothy Monkey and quote text messages from boys, dinner conversations and vacation planning, daylight savings which leads to longer days, and a God who loves me enough to call me to a new city and then bless me extravagantly once I am there.

Also.

I’m grateful that God consistently takes the hardest experiences of my life and turns them into beauty. He tells a better story with my life than I could ever write. This particular experience won’t ever get a lot of airtime, but I really felt led to share part of the story over at (in)courage today. Check it out if you have time.

Also.

I’m thankful that we have OUR WINNERS over at the giveaway page. If you didn’t *exactly* win, you can grab your own copy of the best new music out there from Dave’s website and Matt’s website.

I’m super excited to see Annie Parsons today. That’s what I’m talking about, Monday. Way to step up after such a solid weekend.

What better way to start off the week than to share what makes us glad. So I wonder, would you share one thing about your weekend that has you feeling thankful this Monday morning?

I have a new post up today at SheSeeks about changing careers.

You know, something I may do again. Who knows.

Also, if you leave a comment, you could win THIS AWESOME BOOK from my friend Shannon.

So check check check check check it out. [Say that out loud to yourself like you are a rapper. Cause maybe that will be my next career, and I'll need a posse.]

And. There’s a video there that I made last week. I’m gonna let you find that on your own. [Cause maybe I'll be a treasure hunter next, and again. I'll need a posse.]

First of all, you people love you some instructional videos. I feel like linen closets near and far are being transformed. Brings a tear to my organizational eye to hear so many of you making strides in folding areas of your life. I salute you, new members of the fold. [Literally.]

I’m so stinkin’ glad y’all liked the video. Cause you have NO.IDEA. how fun I think it is to make those. So. I have some ideas cooking…. I’ll be in touch. We can’t let that flipcam go to waste, now can we?

Now cam we?

[I have a pun guru named Dave. I hope this post, twice punny so far, is making him proud.]

This is my favorite day of the month. The day that I get to post over at (in)courage! This month is about grace and in order to complete the writing assignment, I had to use google. I know. I’m an idiot. CLICK here to read the post. [It's short. Cause I value your time.] And I discuss milkshakes. Seriously. Need I say more?

And just while I’ve been writing this post, I got a comment over at (in)courage from a sweet bloggy friend in Australia. AUSTRALIA, y’all. This world gets tinier every.internet.day. Me likey.

Hope y’all have a great weekend.

[I'd like to make one more play on words, but I don't want it to get overly pun-gent in here.]

ZING!

[My work here is done.]

That’s not disrespectful to the baby Jesus.

I just have some links for you, and thinking you might enjoy a little play on words, I went for it.

Forgive me if you are offended.

First of all, today is my day to post over at (in)courage. And, because I tackle the deep and moving topics, I’m talking about footy-pajamas. [photos included, you are welcome] I hope my cousin is still speaking to me after he sees this.

Also, yesterday, I had the privilege [a word that I CAN NOT SPELL correctly for the life of me] of making a video for Christmas Change.

Here is a link to the post I wrote.

And here’s the video. But do check out the post so you have some sort of mental scaffolding to work with.

And because, seriously, this may be as famous as I ever get, I have to link you to our CBS station here in Nashville.

Because, y’all.

I. WAS. ON. TELEVISION.

Was it my lifelong dream to have my own cooking show?

Almost.

And by “almost,” I mean “not at all.”

Regardless, read the article and watch the video clip to the right- it’s all about Help-Portrait.

And did I mention that I was on TV? Because I was. At 6pm and 10pm, but who’s counting.

Of course, Jeremy was on CNN, but whatevs.