{ Dashus:land }

Answer me this...

The Queen's new track.

Tough Times.

A truly missed woman...

Not a day goes by that I don't think about my courageous, talented, willful, humorous, caring, and beautiful friend Jenn Carlile Foley that passed away 7 years ago today from a fight with Cancer. She was only 25. I still feel a pressure in my chest whenever I think of the moment when I received the news on that hot July day back in the Summer of 2002. I remember my friend Renee calling me as I walked up Astoria Boulevard towards my apartment - a walk Jenn and I had taken back and forth time and time again - telling me that Jenn was no longer with us. Jenn and I went to college together and became even closer after I moved up to New York from Virginia. Jenn was the good time girl. She was a laugher, a kidder, a joker, a friend that everyone trusted. She also had a work ethic that astounded me and everyone she knew. Jenn was the girl that helped me more than anyone when I came up here to New York. She loved me, supported me, talked with me, cried with me - she was there for me. I didn't realize then how much I'd be able to return the favor and let her lean on me. We found a trust in each other up here in NYC that just seemed to grow. Her amazing husband Tony was by her side every single step of the way through her valiant struggle with the various doctor visits, treatments and surgeries as were her amazing Mother and Father. Speaking of her Mother - I will always remember the many bake-offs she and her mother had. They were like two peas in a pod. If you were lucky enough to visit Jenn and Tony's apartment on one of her visits, you were sure to leave the house well fed and well nourished both physically and mentally. Jenn and Tony's entire family was there for Jenn along with their army of friends. Everyone of us who knew her were crushed when she died however like Jenn would have wanted it, it enabled many of us to reconnect in magical ways. A moment that took place at her memorial service, down at Home Port where her remains would be laid to rest, still brings chills to me. A few friends had wandered out to the end of a pier to enjoy the afternoon and be with one another. One friend followed by two, followed by three, followed by a few more until the entire party of Jenn's friends were gathered there together - united - sharing the same moment for Jenn. I felt a connection like I had never ever felt. It was like she has guided us down there. I know that Jenn was looking down at us in that amazing moment smiling. Then, she was likely also saying to us "You idiots, you can all be on the pier at once! Move it! Now!" Jenn was an amazing Stage Manager and when she told you to move your ass you did it with quickness! A photo was captured that day of the moment and it hangs in my apartment in a place where I see it daily. It reminds me of the love that she taught us and the bond all of her friends now share. I miss that girl so much. We were all lucky to have known her during her short life. I'm blessed to have shared so many memories with her family, her friends, her loved ones - all which we hold dear in our hearts. If you are reading this and knew Jenn, please add a comment to this post. Share a memory or story or just say "I FREAKIN' MISS HER!". Jenn's spirit lives on strong after her she is gone. We all know this and all feel this. Miss ya, girl. xx.

Tickets to the gun show.

I love Madonna, y'all. You all know that. I wouldn't listen to her daily, devour her videos, blog about her endlessly or have devoted a year of Monday's to her if I didn't think she was fabulous. HOWEVER, she needs to find some balance with her physical training. I'm mean...DAMN, girl! Her arms are amazing and should be commended but I'm not sure they are amazing on her anymore. It's just soooooooo severe. I'm sure the flash of the paparazzi's bulbs are harsh on her but I don't think it's making her arms something they are not. Girl needs to pick up a pizza and put down the barbell. This is not a look I like. Although, her new single (LISTEN HERE!), I do. xox.


{ SOURCE }

Balcony Theatre.

N.Y Seen - A rainbow connection.

Quoted.

"If you want your life to be a magnificent story, then begin by realizing that you are the author and everyday you have the opportunity to write a new page."

— Mark Houlahan

La la la la life is wonderful...

Baltimore - An aquatic view - 1

Baltimore - An aquatic view - 2

Baltimore - An aquatic view - 3

A concerto for a Kitty.

OMG so cute. A concerto for a Kitty. I need to teach Alice how to play pronto. The Klaipeda Chamber Orchestra of Lithuania performed the following original concerto written especially for Nora the Piano Cat. As silly as Nora the Piano Cat seems this clip makes up for it. It's quite beautiful actually. Just watch.


XOX WOW.

33.

Today is my 33rd birthday. I really like the sound of that. The number just feels right. Thankfully I'm happier and healthier than I've ever been. I'm blessed to have an amazing guy that I get to spend my time with, phenomenal friends that still astound me with their devotion and inspire me with their actions and a family that I learn from everyday.  For those youngins who doubt it - life truly does get better with age. That statement is true if you want it to be true. My friend Jason is always talking about gratitude. He lives and breathes that philosophy. In keeping with his keen guidance I decided to list the top 33 things that I am grateful for in no particular order today. I'm sure there are a hundred more things that I can list but I think 33 is a fair start. For anyone else having a birthday today, cheers to you. Here is to many many more.

33 THINGS I'M GRATEFUL FOR TODAY.

1) My Health

2) My Mother and Father

3) RJH & his family

4) My bro, his wife and his magical girls

5) My Friends 

6) Alice 

7) Music

8) The home I've made here in NYC 

9) Dashusland

10) The breeze on my balcony 

11) Laughing with him 

12) Trips out of town 

13) Meaningful quotes 

14) Photography 

15) My growth over the years 

16) Aging with style

17) Warm weather

18) Learning

19) Skyscrapers

20) The cool side of the pillow

21) A smart cocktail

22) Dancing

23) The # 23

24) Poems

25) My past

26) Dusk

27) Optimism

28) My work ethic

29) The memories of friends and family I've lost 

30) Fresh starts

31) Clarity with distance

32) The Future

33) You

{oxo{w+j}oxo}

Miracle in Milwaukee.

Via Towleroad comes a clip from CNN that is absolutely riveting. The clip shows a car accident that took place in Milwaukee where a mother flipped her car while driving with her two children that left them all trapped in the burning vehicle. The scene is tense, scary and panicked but in the end it is truly amazing. The clip is tough to watch but it will leave you with a comforting feeling that there are still people out there willing to risk their lives for their fellow man. Watch.

Saved by Jesus.

Matt at Boyculture (via homotography) brings us some delicious pictures of our lord and savior Madonna's boyfriend, Mr. Jesus Luz. The shots are featured in the most recent Italian GQ. The young man is shot by photographer Mariano Vivanco. Check his site here - marianovivanco.com. Ummmm....Damn. Madonna's return to Jesus couldn't be anymore understood. Amen.

Freshness from L.A.

An ill Beastie Boy...

In a short clip posted on the Beastie Boy's own website comes news that front man Adam Yauch has cancer. He is direct and to the point about the diagnosis and the treatment and is totally as optimistic and you would expect. Check it out. GET WELL SOON!

Just sayin'

Up from down - DC Edition.