THE AMUSED LIFE BLOG

If this 2020 taught me anything, it's that what happens in my four walls are 1001% my responsibility. I've allowed overworking and over-engaging in distractions to keep me from participating in some small way from bringing the holidays into my home. I mean we do the traditional food basics on the high-holy-holidays of Thanksgiving and such; but no decoration. No specific traditions. Something that I realize now was a gift my mother gave me as a child. What I mean by that is, the creation of household traditions and decorating for a holiday gave this growing girl a sense of wonder. Holidays were extra special because the person I loved so much made them special. The traditions were steeped in family and home. The sense of love was so real and now reflecting on everything I and others have survived in this year, it's time for me to forge some beloved traditions of my own.  I think I didn't do this sooner because I've been silently grieving the reality that having a ch...

I'm taking some time just to be me for me as I keep evolving into a hopefully better and better version of me.  Not to entertain but to just get my projects promised this year but not yet accomplished because of my accident, my covid and instead take time to catch up.  To move all my posts from my former blog to this blog.  Just to get my world ready to hopefully go very mindfully and intentionally into 2021.  With that...there will be no new episodes of AUTHENTICALLY YOU until 2021 as I have some great interviews lined up in December and will debut them in the brand new year. No I don't think new years are magical panaceas but they do allow you to set intentions and try to hit those intentions. I just want to take this time to reflect on what went well this past year, what I'd like to see change and how I can see more of my friends while still being safe. It's been one helluva year y'all. One that's changed all of us in ways we can't fully explain. In some ...

aka Carbs Glorious Carbs A week or so ago I was up early for work or perhaps it was my day off...either way I stumbled upon Good Morning America which I rarely if ever watch. Just not a morning show person, hell I'm not a morning person. However this show featured some pretty awesome STEALS AND DEALS (apparently they do this often); and there was one deal that I could not resist.  Having moved to the South in 2001, I frequently miss some of the flavors and sensibilities of my northern upbringing. Growing up in Pennsylvania just 75 minutes outside of New York City gave you such a perspective on food and flavors and thankfully Mom and Pop culinary delights often found everywhere you go up there. I also grew up with a fondness for BREAD. You know, crusty on the outside soft on the inside goodness? You know, slather it with butter goodness? B-R-E-A-D. The thing that as we age we're not supposed to eat because it turns us doughy. Oh well, when they aired this deal I was in...hook, ...

The Thursday Tunes playlist is dedicated to everyone who's doing everything they can these days to stay hopeful and positive and happy. This is for you...click the ALBUM COVER to go to the playlist! Enjoy.

This episode of Authentically You we introduce you to the incredible human being, comedian and voice-artist soon to be that is JENN SNYDER, who is actively helping to keep us a little more sane by being exactly who she is and sharing her brand of humor with the world. Let's connect! RATED R FOR LANGUAGE Learn More Here: Jenn Snyder Website www.jennsnydercomedy.com Jenn Snyder Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jenn.snyder.9 Jenn Snyder Instagram https://www.instagram.com/Jesterjenn13/ Jenn Snyder Twitter https://twitter.com/JesterJenn13

Today's Spiritual Sunday presented me with a childhood friend requesting a card pull...of course, I would do anything from people who are important to me and I'm honored to do so. So I meditated on her and the blessings that we've reconnected through the positive aspects of Facebook and this is her card pull.  PLAYFULNESS The playfulness card reminds us of our childhood, when we were more free from worries about any impending doom. We built sandcastles in the sand without worrying when the next wave would come and destroy our creations. We remember a time when we knew and realized that life was more of a game than we realized and we chose to life it unashamed without thinking of what anyone else thought.  When this card shows up in your world, it's a sign. It symbolizes that you are ready for something refreshing to come into your life and your world. Something is on the horizon and you are prepared to face it with innocence, joy and clarity...when you proceed in that m...

Thursdays are for Tunes, and I was inspired by a Rolling Stones story about terrifying music and songs. So the pre-halloween playlist is dedicated to creating a playlist that is UNSETTLING to say the very least. This seriously isn't something to play around kids or you're going to be up for a lot of nightmares. Enjoy! CREDITS: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/25-songs-that-are-truly-terrifying-110099/

  This episode of Authentically You we introduce you to the dynamic voice and visionary that is KATHRYN FRADY, who is actively helping to change the cultural landscape of Knoxville, TN and is an artist's artist. Let's connect! Learn More Here: Kathryn Frady Website www.kathrynfradydirector.com Marble City Opera Website www.marblecityopera.com Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/FradyKatSoprano Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/MarbleCityOpera

I am excited to announce the November Collection and Holiday Preview which will be released on 10/31/20 to family and friend pricing for only 7 days after which regular pricing will go into effect and the items will be added to my Esty Store. To get in on family and friends pricing you have to be a member of my Facebook Group (Shopping with Anna) , a fan of my Facebook Page (Anna: The Black Pants Girl) or friends with my personal profile on Facebook or on Instagram.  I've attached the beads and gemstones I'm using in this collection which are blend of my favorite colors including black and white, silvertone, blue, green and red. It's a taste of what's to come for my holiday collection which I will release on 11/28/20 for small business Saturday. So look forward to a collection of 7 bracelets, 3 earrings and 2 pendants. In the meantime today features a collection of items that are only $5.00 that I'm working to clear out of my inventory. Check them out at the above ...

Well the spooky holiday is almost upon us and I decided today to give you not "scary" songs per se but music that has some interesting tidbits about their origins or back stories. Ready to dive in to the music?  PLAYLIST FOR 10/22/20 Here's the breakdown... 1) 3 AM by Matchbox 20 While we've heard this song many times on the radio, the lyrics were actually inspired by the lead singer's cancer-stricken mother. It turns out that at age 13 he had to care for his mother and he feels the lyrics really embody the anxiety, stress and dynamic of that time in his life. 1 2) You Learn by Alanis Morrissette This song was on one of the biggest albums for Alanis, but what it is really about is the terrible experiences that a 19 year old went through while working on her album in L.A. Per reports, she experienced being robbed at gunpoint, being hospitalized, suffering PTSD, going through a break up...and yet coming through on the other side. 1 3) Never Learn Not to Love by The ...