I'm not in any hurry and I need a moment...

Well, looky there.

I promised you a blog post on Tuesday and then...nothing. Since there doesn't appear to be a riotous uprising in my comments demanding to know where said post might be (which is good, I can only handle so much bloggy guilt) let's just push on.

The thing is, it's not like I don't have blog posts swirling around in my head. It's just that real life, the life right in front of my eyes, was more important. And I know that might sound like a given, but as a girl who loves her social media it was actually a really healthy step for me to be OK with not blogging for a few days. The hours spent at my sewing table, the conversations on the sofa with Jason, the notes that got written, the hours across the table from a new friend- those were the voices that needed to be heard. So I listened.

You know what else I like to listen to? Songs performed by the Glee cast.

{Most awkward segue EVER. Whatever.}

 This shouldn't surprise anyone who's read my blog for over a year. I was hooked as soon as it started and it's provided much needed inspiration and encouragement at times. There's a solid chunk of songs from the show on my phone, always ready for me to belt out on the way to work. So I got to thinking this morning that I should share with you my Top 5 Favorite Songs from Glee. Here we go...

5. "Happy Days Are Here Again/Get Happy"

You need to know that I am a huge Judy Garland fan (Wizard of Oz, natch) and a huge Barbara Streisand fan. So when Kurt and Rachel did this song, I was enthralled. I love the wardrobe nods to the original performance (you should go watch it if you haven't ever seen it) and how Rachel mimics some of Barbara's mannerisms. This song was also the start of two rivals becoming friends, and the thought of a good Judy & Barbara song bringing people together just makes me happy.



4. "I Dreamed a Dream"
Pretty much from the minute they started playing up the idea of Rachel's mother being out there, I knew that she had to be played by Idina Menzel. (Sidenote: I just heard my friend Reen give an "Amen!" ) She stole my heart as Elphaba in "Wicked," and she and Lea Michelle even look alike! It was destined.

"Les Miserables" was the first show I ever saw on Broadway and I have no idea how many times I've sung this song since the first time I heard it in eighth grade. The fact that the writers used it as a vehicle for Rachel to hear her mother for the first time made me sob when I saw it and still makes me tear up. I mean, it's her mom! And she's never met her! And they've dreamed this dream! But it's been killed! Ok, maybe not killed, but man those writers are good at the emotional manipulation.
 

3. "Funny Girl"
A.) It's from "Funny Girl." A Barbara song. You can't go wrong with this.
B.) It's a song that Rachel Berry would pick. "Exactly what I would have done. Barbara. I could do it in my sleep."
C.) Idina Menzel.
D.) That moment at 2:34 when the strings are swelling and Rachel says, "Miss Corcoran?...I'm Rachel Berry.... I'm your daughter." (you have to imagine it, I couldn't find a video of the actual performance from the show) AND LET THE WEEPING BEGIN.



2. "As If We've Never Said Goodbye"
I'm constantly in awe of how the writers and producers pick songs that pay homage to pop culture or Broadway and convey so many of the emotions of the characters on Glee at the same time. This one does that splendidly. Kurt has just come back to McKinley after some intense bullying made him transfer out for a while. I absolutely adore how triumphant Kurt around 2:45. And as cheesy as this may sound, that last line, "We taught the world new ways to dream," is (I think) absolutely true of the entire show.



1."My Man"
Lea Michelle has performed several Barbara songs in her time as Rachel, but this one is my absolute favorite.  If you've ever seen the 1968 movie version of "Funny Girl", you know just how heartbreaking this song is within the context of Fannie Brice's. So there's the power of that and then Lea's incredible voice? I'm a goner. Put this one on repeat and belt it out. Totally cathartic.
 

It was hard to limit myself to five (and not end up with any "Wicked" songs in there), but these are the ones I come back to over and over again. A show about show choir has never made me happier...

Taking a Stand

Perhaps like me, you have found yourself in an intense season of debate. You've been weighing the pros and cons of each side, examining the merits of each player, listening to the various arguments for why one is a better choice than the other.

It's difficult and confusing at times. Controversial, even, especially down here in the south. Yet, the time comes when you know you need to just take a stand, pick a side and make your voice heard.

Well, it's my blog and my voice and I'm just going to be honest with y'all.

The only choice for me this year and any year is the original cast of "Steel Magnolias." 

And if you disagree with me..well, as Ouisa said, you can just take it and shove it where the sun don't shine.

Pink may not be my signature color, but you can be sure I know the difference between blush and bashful. One is much deeper than the other.

From these women I learned:

 ...that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of manure.

...if you can achieve puberty, you can achieve a past.

...that which does not kill us makes us stronger.

...there's no such thing as natural beauty.

...time marches on and eventually you find it's marchin' across your face.

...grape or aubergine- doesn't matter because nobody cares about that grape shit.

...all gay men have track lighting. And all gay men are named Rick, Mark or Steve.

...personal tragedy should not interfere with your ability to do good hair.

...if you don't have anything nice to say, come sit by me!

...I have a strict policy that nobody cries alone in my presence.

...laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.

...and most of all, the only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize! *

There is no one other than Sally, Olympia, Shirley, Julia, Dolly and Daryl who could fill the roles of M'Lynn, Clairee, Ouisa, Shelby, Truvy and Annelle. 

NO ONE. Not any cast that Lifetime picks, no ma'am. I watched about a half hour of that heresy and it didn't come close to the treasure that is the original. They couldn't capture the depth, the strength, the humor, the need to nurture and protect even while maintaining a beautiful facade {"I don't know how you're doing on the inside, but your hair's just holdin' up beautiful."}

If you haven't seen it or just want to watch it for the hundredth time,  come on over and watch it with me anytime!

Love y'all more'n my luggage,

Your Southern Drama Queen

*For the record, I didn't have to look up a single one of these. They are so deeply ingrained into my genetic makeup now that I'm likely to pass them on to my children in utero someday. 

Neither here nor there

One of the things that I miss most about teaching is the summers off. Oh, how I miss the summers off. Two and half months of glorious freedom to lounge about, get stuff done, pool crash, watch crappy TV, read, write, craft to my heart's desire... the ache of not having that anymore is palpable. Instead I sit under a fluorescent light for eight hours in a room with no windows. Yes, I am grateful for my job and I truly love my job, however summers are sloooooooow in a chapel office at a small college.

But then there's this.

Oh, yes. Come Thursday, I am free! I'm using some of my well hoarded paid time off for the end of this week and all of next week. My plans? First, a little staycation action that involves lots of summer sewing, cook-outs with friends and ogling my handsome husband. Then, a solo trip to North Carolina for a few days! Carolina on my mind, indeed. There's a very good chance that one day I will simply set up camp at Foster's, tweet my location and see who all I can get to join me.  

Also, the stars have aligned and all four members of the E-Ranch will actually be in the same place at the same time. With Anna and her crew taking off for their family adventure to South Africa, this is likely to be the last time we'll be able to all be together for a year or so. Ok, changing the subject because I can't do the Ugly Cry while I'm at work.

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My June in Instagram form continues...

Day 12, From a Low Angle. Shot of blue after days of grey and fog up on the mountain.

Day 13, Art. Sketch in pastels by my mom, Lila Dianne, original painting by Carlye Daugird, and calligraphy by Suzanne Starr. 

Day 14, Time. During these slow summer work days, this time is my favorite. #outthedoorsofast

Day 15, Yellow. The first time I successfully sewed in a zipper was on this yellow pillow.

Day 16, Out and About. A Saturday date day concludes with dinner on a lovely front porch at The Big Table.

{Date day included going to see "The Avengers." SO GOOD. That led to subsequent home viewings of "Iron Man 2" and "Thor." I'll let you guess what I dreamed about Sunday night.}

Day 17, In Your Bag. Summer sewing supplies. #crafty

Day 18, Something You Don't Know About Me. Even in 90+ degree heat, I'd rather have the windows down and sunroof open than turn on the AC. #windbown

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I've opted to watch this season of "The Bachelorette," partly due to the fact that it was featuring a North Carolina girl. To be quite honest, I had found Emily to be pretty wimpy and a little ditzy on her season of "The Bachelor" and wasn't too surprised when she and what's-his-name broke up. Besides the obvious ample opportunities for snark as I "watch" the show with my friends on Twitter, I've been delighted to see that Emily has quite the backbone. She's charming and sweet (as most Southern girls tend to be), but girlfriend is not playing around when it comes to picking a man for the long haul. I've been thrilled, thrilled, to see her dismiss some of the men as soon as it becomes clear they have less than honorable intentions, sometimes telling them buh-bye even before the rose ceremony. 

Last night, she went on a date with the traditionally hunky but over-confident Ryan. Homeskills thought he had this thing in the bag and for some reason, thought it was a faaaabulous idea to continually refer to Emily as a "trophy wife." His final misstep was pulling out a list of qualities that he was looking for in a woman, a list which was mainly superficial. Nowhere on that list was there anything about building a strong family. Hey, Ryan? Newsflash- you're trying to woo a woman with a daughter, aka, your potential family. This was the proverbial straw for Emily and she told him that he would not be getting a rose. Say it with me now, "Gentlemen, if you did not receive a rose tonight, please take a moment to say your goodbyes."

Well.

What Ryan took a moment to do was attempt to stare Emily down and then proceeded to condescend and manipulate/guilt trip her into changing her mind. The part that infuriated me the most was that his manipulation was disguised as "gentlemanly" southern charm. Suddenly I was right back in my mid-20's, right smack back in that relationship with my own version of Ryan. As I watched Emily duck her head and begin to question her decision, I got mad. I remembered what it felt like to have my resolve and clear thoughts begin to crumble under the weight of a man persuading you (with genteel southern smoothness, mind you) that he was right and you were wrong. I remembered what it felt like to have my only worth be found in what I looked like and how skinny I could be and what clothes I was wearing. I remembered what it felt like to be a trophy girlfriend, until I wasn't one anymore. I remembered how good it felt to finally raise my head, hold my gaze and tell him I wouldn't be that trophy anymore. So when Emily did the same, you best believe I cheered and clapped. Oh, let's just be honest, I hollered.

And for the record, my vote is for Arie or Sean.

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Random things around the Internets that I am loving...

• National Aerobic Championships. The 80's. Y'ALL.  

• I'm wondering why Allie and I never did this when we were little. This little gem is a cover of this which is a cover of this.

• This post by Sarah Markley. My answers are a.) I need to do more of this and b.) OH YES (aka, Parents, please stop blogging nude/semi-nude pictures of your children.)

• My style guru, Molly, helps me find some new nail polish options. 

• Dooce enlists snake training for her dogs. Knox would do exactly what Chuck did. 

• I will be making this next month. Oh, yes, I will.

Source: iambaker.net via Leslie on Pinterest

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Coming up later this week, Paleo! Happy Tuesday, y'all.

It's that time of year again....THE OSCARS!!

Sure, I haven't seriously blogged in two months, but I've started a tradition and I can't let this year's ceremony pass me by. Not even an impending move (we found a darling house to rent! more soon!) can stop me from planting myself on the couch for the next five hours and bringing you all the glamour, all the stars, all the winners and all the snark.

If this is your first time, I'll be updating this post through the night, so just keep hitting refresh. As always, comments are welcome! I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Let's do this thing.

But, before we start, I'd like to dedicate this, The 4th Annual Southern Drama Queen's Oscars Extravagnanza, to two women who have encouraged me and inspired me in my love of the Academy Awards. First, I dedicate this night to Katie P, one of Winston-Salem's finest police officers. Katie will spend this night protecting the streets from vagrants and thieves, sacrificing her love of Hollywood for the greater good of The Dash's citizens. Katie, my best snark? It's all for you.

I also want to dedicate this post to the irrepressible Molly Page, fashion guru and fellow pop culture kindred spirit. Molly and I connected through our blogs before becoming friends in real life here in Chattanooga. I had looked forward to watching this year's Oscars with her, but then her husband went and got an amazing job in Chicago and Molly was off to the big city. Thanks to the magic of social media, we'll watch it together via Twitter but I can't wait to see what she posts in the days to come regarding all the fashion on the red carpet. Make sure you check her blog this week!

Ok, y'all, on to the red carpet! Let's start with The Bridesmaids...

I am SO glad Melissa went with a brighter color! I love that this shows off her gorgeous shape, rather than the voluminous shifts she's worn for the rest of the awards season. Stunning.

Rose. Oh, Rose. You don't have to take yourself so seriously. Also, it might be time to take the Scarface DVD off repeat. 1983 Michelle Pfeiffer called and she wants her hairstyle back.

OH, SWOON. I love everything about this look. The sheer glamour of the hair, the color of the dress, the sparkle at the sleeves and waist. Also, how great is it to see curves on the red carpet?!?

Jessica Chastain is a very pretty woman and I'm impressed at how she pulls off this elaborate dress on such a diminutive frame. 

Dear Miley, Lindsay, Selena and Demi Levato, TAKE NOTE. This is how you do young Hollywood.

Oh, Viola. How your bosoms doth impress. And that shade of green is just fabulous!

Annnnnd Sacha Bren Cohen just dumped an urn of ashes on Ryan Seacrest. Did he not get the memo that "Punked" bit the dust years ago and NO ONE CARES ABOUT HIS CRAPPY "COMEDY"? Ugh, go away.

Classic. Elegant. Beautiful. Well done, Octavia.

I like how Kristen went kind of wonderfully understated. So effortless. But maybe too much so for the Oscars? I'm torn.

This is a first. I don't actually hate what Giuliana is wearing! It's very pretty and feminine and kind of old school glamour. Her make-up is gorgeous and she's not orange. I'm not sure I can ask for more from G. Way to kick cancer in the keister!

So my dear Molly tells me that peplums are very on trend. I haven't really understood the fuss, but I absolutely LOVE the dress that Carolina Herrera designed for Tina Fey. I vote yes for the peplum!

Emma, you are darling in red. Sure, the bow could be a bit smaller, but I'll you'll be one of the most comfortable actresses in the auditorium tonight.

I am looooooooving these polka dots! So fun and unexpected for Oscar night! Well played, Natalie.

7:53 p.m.

It's seven minutes and I've only seen two actors that I would consider current Hollywood legends. Where is everyone?!?

7:56 p.m.
While we wait for the show to start, how about some Hollywood legends from the past? Life Magazine has a slideshow of some wonderful shots and I think these are my favorite...

The epitome of style- Audrey and Grace.

Lovely Liz

If you've never seen "Splendor in the Grass", go out and find it this week.

8:03 p.m.

Ok, just realized the show doesn't start until 8:30. I can't believe I didn't know that. That's a rookie mistake and I'm better than that.

Back to the red carpet...

I'm always impressed at how the more experienced dames bring it. Now, where's Helen Mirren?
Speaking of the dames of Hollywood, how about a little Meryl?

No one does draped better than her.

Gorgeous. As always. But a tad boring?

At first I thought Sandy's dress and overall look was a bit stern, but then I saw her delightful interview with Louise on ABC's coverage. Apparently, it's sexy times tonight!

It's Angelina! And she's smiling! And her hair is all loose and relaxed! Me likey.

8:22 p.m.

Ok, taking a break and then I'll be back after Billy's opening number. Fingers crossed there's a grandiose musical parody coming!

8:47 p.m.
Sooooo, that was kind of...lame? Billy's opening, while traditional, felt dated and contrived. Why not go for something new? Eh. Disappointed.

8:53 p.m.
Have I mentioned that movie montages set to soaring orchestral music make me cry?

8:57 p.m.
The irony of J Lo discussing wear a loose dress to make you look like a lady is not lost on my friends. And that is why I love them so.

9:03 p.m.
Can we just do movie montages and actor interviews all night? Loving those. And apparently all you have to do now is merely mention "Field of Dreams," flash a shot of that field and I start crying.

9:15 p.m.
Hooray for Octavia!! She was absolutely outstanding in "The Help" and I can't wait to see more of her work in movies to come.

9:17 p.m.
For those keeping count, Octavia's win was Tears Welling Up #3 for me. Any guess as to what the final count will be?

9:29 p.m.
Molly and I agree that the "lost footage" of a MGM focus group (performed by Christopher Guest and friends) was the funniest part of the show so far. And that strikes me as just a wee bit sad...

9:39 p.m.
Holy. Cow. The Cirque de Soleil performance was UNREAL. Designed to capture the feeling of going to the movies, I'd say they definitely nailed it. (ETA: Video now posted of this AMAZING performance!) 

Also, is it crazy that I really loved Miss Piggy's hair?

9:44 p.m.
Watching Robert Downey, Jr. and Gwenyth Paltrow Best Documentary presenters banter was like a true life Ironman and Pepper scene.

And TWU #4 goes to "Undefeated" winning the category. Y'all, it's like a real life "Friday Night Lights". Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose!

I think my Best Banter and Funniest Moment goes to Emma Stone and Ben Stiller. She's hilarious anyway, but I loved how she hammed up the fact that she was a first time presenter. Total drama queen, my kind of gal.

10:05 p.m.
Captain Von Trapp for the win! Best supporting actor goes to Christopher Plummer. His acceptance speech was winsome and charming, making it my favorite of the night thus far. Now excuse me while I indulge myself in a rousing rendition of "Eidelweiss."

10:19 p.m.
Really, Oscars? Only two nominees for Best Song? For shame. But Will Ferrel and Zach Galianfinakis presenting did give me a good giggle.

10:33 p.m.
I'm fading fast, y'all. I also have a strange craving to go eat a cheeseburger in Angelina Jolie's scrawny thigh's honor.

Annnnnnnnd, pose.

10:58 p.m.
TWU #5 - The Governor's Awards highlights and Honorary Oscars going to Oprah and James Earl Jones.

11:24 p.m.
I got nothin'.

11:31 p.m.
I am delighted for Meryl, but a little sad that Viola didn't get it. Also, I'd like to have Colin Firth record the outgoing message on my voicemail. Can someone arrange that for my birthday?

11:36 p.m.
And Best Picture goes to "The Artist"!! Between winning Best Picture and Best Actor, I really need to go see it.

And that's all, folks. It was a tame ceremony as Oscars go. I feel bad I didn't have more to offer, but they really didn't give me much to work with. I have a strongly worded letter going out to the producers tomorrow. Thanks for reading, y'all!

Here's to glamour, here's to fashion, here's to the movies!

Sesame Street + Glee = Faaaaaabulooous!

Dear Sesame Street writers,

You are genius. Keep up the good work. That is all.

Love,
Leslie Ruth

Do Over

I want one.

I wish I could go back and do high school again.

Because you know what I'd do? I'd be less afraid.

I'd be less afraid of what people think. I would love my body exactly the way God made it (short waist and all) and not be so hung up on fitting into some mold that I was never going to be. I wouldn't be afraid to be passionate and theatrical and bold. I would sing loudly (well, louder than even back then) and I wouldn't brush off the compliments about my voice. I would pursue theatre wherever, whenever I could. I would be funny and kooky like I was made to be instead of trying so dang hard to be cool all the time.

Cool is so subjective.

I went to see the "Glee" movie tonight. And yes, I'm probably riding on some sort of red slushie, pop music, Broadway show tunes kind of high, but I don't care. Because that kind of high, the one I get from unabashed singing and dancing, is a high I need more of in my life.

I loved watching them dance around that stage. I loved hearing the real life stories of kids who have been inspired to love themselves just as they are because they watch these characters do that. I love watching these talented young actors. I get goosebumps and I'm jealous because I need to embrace more of who I am.

It's taken me thirty-three years, but I am more comfortable in my body than I have ever been. I am more comfortable with who I am- loud, silly, dramatic, passionate, vocal, creative- than I have ever been. This is who God created me to be and I love it.

I love the moment when (no spoilers here, it was the same on the TV episode) all the characters come out in t-shirts that proclaim what they have always been ashamed of. They grab hold of that thing, that part of themselves that they need to love and sing the words, "I'm on the right track, baby, I was born this way." I mean, I know it's Lady Gaga and cheesy as all get out, but oh, I was born this way.

And I just wish it hadn't taken me thirty-three years to love all of how I was made.

So, yes, I sang along tonight at parts and I danced in my seat and I clapped with (you guessed it) glee when the song that gives me goosebumps was sung and I don't really care anymore if someone stares at me while I do it. Because I need more of that joy and freedom and passion in my life.

So on the drive home, when that amazing new Coldplay song came on, I kept driving even though I was a block away from home. Because it felt like when I was back in high school and I'd be driving down Robinhood Road when that just right song came on and I didn't want to go home yet. When the sky was clear and the air was warm and it felt like that space of summer had been made just for me. I rolled the windows all the way down, I stuck my hand out the window and let the wind catch it and I just felt free.

And I'll be glad to do over moments like that over and over again.

Weddings and Marathons and Tornadoes...Oh My!

When I was a little girl, whenever we would go to Durham to visit Grandmother and Grandaddy I would make a beeline for a coffee table book that resided in their front living room. Once the book was in my hot little hands, I would carefully perch myself on the bizarrely patterned grey couch, it's synthetic material itchy against my lanky limbs. The book with which I was completely enamored?

Oh yes, the eight year old version of me wasn't old enough to remember the wedding itself, but I could tell you about every detail from the hours I spent poring over the pages of this book. Now that I think about it, I have no idea how this book made it into my grandparents' house. Aunties, do you have the answer? However it got there, I. Was. Hooked. Forget Disney princesses, I wanted to be like Princess Di. Actually, I wanted to be one of her bridesmaids. Specifically, Sarah Armstrong, the one on the right.

Oh, the puffed sleeves! The sash! The lace! Getting to help arrange Princess Diana's train! It was all so magical to me. Thus began my fascination with Princess Di, one that extended into my twenties until the day she passed away. I wasn't old enough to watch her ill-fated wedding, but I skipped my college classes to watch her funeral.

And now her oldest is getting married. Wills. Sweet, charming, inherited his dad's hairline but his mother's love for philanthropy Wills. So you better believe I've made plans to watch tomorrow's Royal Wedding! I've downloaded the official wedding program, complete with a never released portrait of the couple.

I'm oohing and ahhing over the first looks into Westminster Abbey.

Seriously, those trees are swoon-worthy. So magical and a wonderfully unique floral choice. And here's the bride the day before her wedding.

Gorgeous. Happy. Glowing. And oh my word, I wish my hair would grow faster because I want it to look just like that!

Wedding coverage starts ridiculously early, but I plan to be watching and probably tearing up just a bit as these two take on the journey of marriage. Mawaige...that dweam wifin a dweam....

Sorry. Wrong Princess Bride.

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After the wedding, I'll pack my bags and hit the road for Nashville! My little sister turns thirty next week and in true Allie style (and a bit of a sister tradition), we're running a marathon.

Well.

Allie's running the marathon and, due to some training issues, I'll be power walking the half-marathon. And we'll probably finish around the same time. I'd be embarrassed for myself, however I've decided it's not worth it. But did you hear me, internets?

MY SISTER IS TURNING THIRTY!!!

Just wanted to make sure we were all clear on that.

Anything with Allie is guaranteed to be fun, so I'm sure I'll have lots of hijinks to report post-race weekend.

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In case you haven't turned on the news, Chattanooga was hit hard by storm after storm after storm yesterday. As severe thunderstorms/tornadoes go, it was hit and miss for the different areas of our city. Our neighborhood, thankfully, is pretty clear and the biggest inconvenience we've had to deal with is that we've been without power since yesterday morning. 

However, that is absolutely nothing when I look at the widespread damage and growing number of casualties cities like Tuscaloosa and Birmingham have incurred. It is heartbreaking. All you have to do is google the cities' names to find the pictures and videos that will leave you breathless. Please pray for the thousands of families in the southern states who have been devastated by this string of storms. Help as you feel led and are able. 

I'm so grateful for our community of friends and how we've been able to help each other in big and small ways since yesterday. I'm grateful for fun and pithy things like a royal wedding to momentarily lighten the mood. I'm grateful for an amazing sister to celebrate and a healthy body to move.

I'm grateful.