Rebecca Peragine of Children Inspire Design is giving away one of her beautiful prints and if the universe is good to me I’ll be lucky enough to win one. She’s asking that we spread the word about the contest and so here you have it:

Hey Folks-

Last night I had a moment of frustration as my creative process was standing at a dead halt. So I reached out to you all on Facebook asking for inspiration and was OVERWHELMED with the amount of quotes you sent me. So, I decided to turn this into an event- and you get to design my next series of art! Send me your best quotes and I’ll choose a few from them to include in my new collection which will launch April 1. The people chosen will receive a free print with their quote + a $50 gift certificate. Plus, I’ll be giving away another $50 certificate at random- here’s how you can win that one:

-each comment equals one entry, you may leave as many entries as you’d like
-get a friend to friend us on FB and you’ll earn another entry
-repost our contest on FB, blogs, twitter and receive an entry each time

**tally up your total and leave the number in a comment here on our blog.
The contest will end next Wednesday the 15th. I’ll anounce winners the following weekend:)

Feel free to join in the contest as well and good luck to all!

I’ve often fantasized about the most appropriate way to disappear. No, I’m not having suicidal thoughts here. Going off the radar by retreating to a small bungalow in a quiet tropical wilderness which begs for exploration and promotes creativity from the inside and out is all apart of this vision of mine. I’ll go off and away for say, two years or so. And when I return I’ll carry with me the most astounding introspective pieces of art that have lived in my brainstorms for days long before I even had dreams. This fantasy is far more developed than I can share here, but why do I even care to disappear?

Simple.

1. I want to reinvent myself.

2. I need to reinvent myself.

Don’t get me wrong, I do like the person I am, but she needs some tweaking. I’m having an honest conversation folks. For some reason I’ve always felt that the process of reinvention involved going off for away from the public opinion of freinds, family and anyone else with unsolicited advice to offer. Maybe this idea comes from a number of memoirs I’ve read where the individual does such a thing leaving everyone in a widespread panic, but when they return they’ve created the most brilliant masterpieces of the century and then they’re all forgiven.

I write this to assure everyone I won’t delve into my fantasy lands by moving to Bermuda and not sending a tweet with my location. Nope. You’ll be able to reach me by phone. I’ll stick around here and on the net at large, but I’m going to switch up the way I interact with it all. It will be limited. At times it may even be a bit scatter brained or uninteresting to some. Oh well. Time to get started.

Without a doubt, I’ve been a highly blessed and favored woman wallowing in the joys of sweet, sweet happiness throughout 2010. It is as if the universe positioned all the key ingredients for an awesome year right in the palm of my hand. Before I take my annual stroll down the year that was, I should provide some disclaimers to the secrets of my abundant joy. First one being, I’m broker than a church mouse. (That’s something my mama might say.) Yep! I did NOT expand my bank account with $$$. I did NOT tuck a little extra into my 401k or increase my stock options. I have neither. (But I do have Jesus!) I can’t even say I made any major career advancements. (Nada – Although you said it would happen Ms. Susan Miller. It didn’t.) Another side note: My children’s book “Isaac and the Bah Tree” didn’t soar the top-sellers lists, but ya’ll can still support a sister and get your copy here.

On the flip-side, I managed to suck dry every mile in every frequent flier program I’m enrolled with which lead me to some fairly exotic destinations. And don’t let me fool you into thinking my very merry matrimony to the most amazing man in my life took a back seat to my usual globe gallivanting highlights. (P.S. I got married this year in case I missed getting the memo to everyone. Click here if: A. You missed the memo. B. Are seriously nosy. -OR- C. Wish to know about our forces combined.) Aside from my husband’s love and affection, I was able to be surrounded by the good company of friends near and far.

So that’s the summary. Just beyond these type-written words is the 2010 full-shebang accompanied by pictures, links and more. (I did my best to keep it flowing in chronological order.)

Let’s hit it!

January, February and March were pretty dull. Can’t recall anything spectacular that occurred. Those cold Florida wintry days were consumed with the following: A. Working 40 hour weeks on a temporary assignment. B. Planning my elopement ceremony. AND C. Crafting up ways to visit places outside of Tampa.

In sticking to my usual theme of par-taking in activities, events and social-networks that the average Black American chick usually does NOT par take in, I did recite a poem in Farsi during Norooz this year. My most awesome tutor at the Infinite Edge Learning Center here in Tampa put me up to the challenge during a local Norooz celebration. No footage/pictures exist of my moment there, but you are welcome to hear me recite the poem here. Strange cookie – midoonam.

Flash forward to April. After fulfilling my commitment with the temp agency, it was time to have some fun. How so? By going to Kaua’i (a small tropical island mass belonging to the state of Hawai’i) with my then-fiancee. You might recall at the end of 2009 my being victorious in a Trazzler ‘Island’ Writing Contest, which landed me and my lucky dude an opportunity to va-cay in the Aloha State. (Sumo size Mahalo to everyone who voted once more!) Safe to say we had an incredible time.

Revisit my 2010 Kaua’i experience here.

Upon my return from Kaua’i, I was summoned by the U.S. Census Bureau. On I went for another stint as an office clerk at a new local LCO. If you’ve ever seen an episode of ‘The Office’ or better, worked at a government office – you can imagine what the environment was like. I have to say that I met some really unique individuals during my short employment there. Because they made the job so enjoyable I am going to give them a round of sound right here and right now. (Jhessye, James, Sandra, Michelle, Tracy, Ray, Flor, Lyon, Patricia, Dan, Linley, Elaine, Eric, Carol, Trish, Jonathan, McPhail, Chris and even Mr. Dixon — it was a tremendous pleasure being your colleague from April to August. Thank you for the song, cakes, laughs, flexibility, energy, patience and more. Thank you.)

Moving onward into May, my elopement planning was pretty much complete which only meant one thing: party time! I opted to mix and mash my birthday and bachelorette fiesta into one so twice the amount of fun could be had. I was fortunate enough to have most of my best gal-pals come from out-of-town to celebrate with me. As one can imagine, we did the manicure / pedicure thing, visit to the bridal shop, beach, club, dinner and made a trip to Orlando. Thank you to all my gorgeous girlfriends for being part of this.

Revisit my 2010 Birthday/Bachelorette weekend experience here.

June was all about wedding bells. It was about counting down the final days of being a semi-unclaimed and unhonest woman. It was also about answering the question: Why Montana? On Thursday, June 17th, 2010 – I proudly became Mrs. Abiodun. With that being said, don’t let me forget the amount of time I spent in June getting people to say the new surname right. Still in need of a how-to yourself? Reference the July video blog.

Revisit my 2010 Marriage in Montana experience here.

July was snoring boring so I’ll bypass the details of cleaning house and clipping my toenails since those are fairly uneventful happenings. August stood for Argentina. This is the trip I did not truly plan for, did not budget for or probably should not have even gone on, but I am glad I went. Natalie and I always have a good time when traveling together, so I’m pleased she made the suggestion of going somewhere before children appear in our freshly married lives. We ate well, met some awesome people (Celina, Pablo, Nazeli and Solana) and did what tourists do when in Argentina. What we did not do well was speak Spanish. We should really get better at that.

Revisit my 2010 Buenos Aires & Salta, Argentina experience here.

Enter September where I spent a few days in my favorite U.S. state – California. This trip was purely pleasure (for the majority) and consisted of going out with friends, visiting family and the tour of babies! Very many thanks to my amigo Quar Brown for taking these deliciously vibrant photographs of me in the Artists District in downtown L.A.

Revisit my 2010 California experience here.

Later in the month I ran a full 26.2 marathon in Toronto, Canada. You’ll notice I didn’t seem very happy after crossing the finish line. I wasn’t. Let’s just say disappointed THEN and thankful for the good health and experience NOW. I’m also very thankful when moments like this are captured in photos. Not everything I do or go through ends with a big cheesy smile. This was one of those moments.

Revisit my 2010 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon experience here.

Come October I was back in Ethiopia leading my third Habitat for Humanity GV project. I spent ten days in Debre Markos working on the last seven plots of houses and a few days relaxing in Addis. From Ethiopia I went on to Zanzibar, an island situated off the coast of Tanzania. Visiting an island in the Indian Ocean was something I’d been hoping for forever. If you’ve got this on a bucket-list some place, get to it! Allow me to suggest Zanzibar. The place is simply stunning. The people are friendly and the food is delicious. The air always carries the smell of fragrant spices.

Revisit my 2010 Global Village Ethiopia experience here and my Zanzibar photo gallery here.

Last month I started temping again, so life took a slight turn for the unexciting. (You know I’m just being a brat.) Aside from finding my 40 hour 9-5 work groove again, I made some successful efforts at just cooling it around the house. Hung with the fam-bam, my friends and so-on. EJ and I scoped out the larger than life sand castles and carvings at Siesta Key. FUN! I celebrated my friend’s last fling the weekend before her wedding. Both were bucket loads of fun. I always love hanging out with a group of drama-free, fun and intelligent ladies. Two cheers for girl power. They were also great sharing the camaraderie of being a bridesmaid or simply part of the party. My friend married during Thanksgiving weekend and it was quite an event. I am thankful to have been invited and I wish the happily shackled couple an eternity of love. The photos below were taken by Akada Studios out of Atlanta.

Revisit my 2010 Naija Wedding Bridesmaid Experience here.

This final month of the year was/is much like the rest of the year in theme. A little hard work, a lot more play and 12 times the laughter. Although the winter solstice was greeted by an amazing lunar eclipse, I’m still hating the weather these days. It slows me down almost to sloth like speeds. I only wish to stay indoors and hibernate like all the smarter species do during times of coldness. Because I am a lowly human being I am forced to be productive and make the most of every breathing moment. Huzzah & Hooray! If you are a regular reader here you probably just read about the quick weekend warrior trip to Troy, Alabama where I went with my mom and hubby to surprise my bestie during her 3rd decade born day celebration. She’s actually a Christmas baby so I suspect she’ll be celebrating more this weekend.

Aside from that I’ll be spending these last dog days of 2010 gearing up for 2011. More on that to come.

Other noteworthy moments:

Previously I dedicated August to Argentina. Well, I should also dedicate it to African Ancestry and the anticipation of my paternal ancestry test results compliments of my father. I now see Cameroon and the Tikar people as a future journey worth taking. I cannot thank my father enough for this wedding gift. There is so much research to be done though before trip to the country can occur.

Hmmm… I went kayaking for the first time in Kaua’i this year, but my swimming skills have not improved. Perhaps I’ll toss it on my list of resolutions once more.

My analogue cameras got more play than ever this year since I started with my Lomography addiction in 2003. They challenge me in more ways than others and I’m just starting to pick up speed. I just wish film and photography wasn’t such an expensive hobby like traveling. To conclude this year end journey, I leave you with a gallery of some shots taken with my toy cameras across the globe.

Enjoy and have the happiest of holidays. Here’s to many good years to come and the ability to be strong in the years that test our spirits the most. (Trust me, I’ve had my share of those.)

Cheers,
Adrienne

This weekend I took two happy hostages with me on a quick seven hour trip up the road to Troy, Alabama. The reason: surprise birthday party for my best friend Latofia. I was suspicious that she had a clue about this long planned event, but as it turned it out she was clueless. She was completely surprised. Before my mother, my husband and I could celebrate with her and the rest of her family we had to kill a little time in Troy.

I did all the driving on the way into Troy on Saturday morning so I was in extra need of a nap. The only problem was I couldn’t get a decent snooze in. I rested between glimpses of that Discovery Channel show, River Monsters. After everyone had gotten a nap besides me it was time to go hunting for our late lunch. In order to make this short jaunt into Alabama like a real weekend sight see fest we had to dine at a place that wasn’t a chain. Our first pick, Sisters was closed, so we headed over to Mossy Grove Schoolhouse Restaurant.

We arrived around 3:45pm to discover an empty parking lot and a historic looking building right next to the cemetery. These two observations raised grave concerns (no pun intended) until we saw that the opening hours were from 5-9. We went back to the hotel, got ready for the evening and then headed back to Mossy Grove around 5:45pm. We were met with a completely different parking lot scenario this time around. The place was packed and it was obvious that this was a local favorite.

I don’t want to go into all the savory details about this place, but I do want to share a few key reviews from the three of us. (This is in case whoever is reading plans on making the trip.) Service was warm, friendly, attentive and prompt. The atmosphere is comfy, cozy and filled with antiques and photos in the various rooms of the old schoolhouse. The food is cheap, delicious and filling!!! Seriously! Before we could even make our drink orders we were given a plate of hush-puppies and great northern beans. Sadly, most of it went to waste because we’re not big lovers of hush-puppies and eating the beans wouldn’t have been good for anyone on the road trip back to Florida.

We did try the beans along with the sweet pepper relish atop of each table. When gas isn’t an issue I’d go back and eat more someday. My personal favorite is the fried dill pickles. Don’t eat or order these if you are on any type of medication for hypertension. Oooweee. They were salty, but delish!!! My taste-buds were in heaven. My entree was a porkchop with steamed veggies. It was good.

From dinner we proceeded to the beating the birthday chick to her surprise party. We arrived around 7:30pm to find a few of the family members getting the last minute details in place. My mom and I exchanged hugs, smiles and conversations with folks we hadn’t seen in ages. All of this was well worth the trip. Come 8:15pm or so it was about time for my friend to discover her surprise.

As I mentioned before she hadn’t a clue. It was great seeing my friend of 18 years (wow) and being able to share this milestone birthday with her. I only wish my eyes weren’t so blasted tired from the early morning drive and cold air. I was no good two and half hours into the party. That also goes for my mother and husband, so our cameo was brief. I trust she had a marvelous time though. Wink.

We had to get back on the road early to get back to Tampa and that we did. A couple of stops were made along the way to snap a couple of pictures like the one below, but that basically concludes my weekend to Alabama. Great weekend with three of my favorite people on the planet. We’ll have to stay longer next time and try the boiled peanuts. Ha!

For more analogue love in Lomo from Zanzibar check out my albums here:

Horizon: Memories of Jambiani
Sampler: Zanzibar + Light Leaks
Horizon: Zanz Dhow Cruising

More soon. xoxo

I’ve been summoned to be a bridesmaid in a handful of weddings and unfortunate as it is, I never had the opportunity to service my girlfriends past with such a marvelous duty. When my friend Chinyere politely asked me earlier this year if I’d be willing, I leaped at the chance. I admit, I was half enticed by the traditional western/Igbo wedding. Last night I had the opportunity to take part in a very special event for two very spectacular people. Love, marriage and a whole lot of money spraying — I was at the Naija wedding event of the year.

Now, what else should I tell you about this event? That the bride was gorgeous and that the groom is a very lucky man? Maybe I should mention how beautiful the ceremony was or how the pastor was probably one of my personal all-time favorites of any wedding. (He showcased a good sense of humor). Should I try to describe the audience in attendance: ALL wonderfully decorated in colorful Aso Ebi lace, shimmery gele, printed dresses and smart looking suits? I could highlight the not-so awesome job of the sound crew, but no one wants to hear about that. The single most important thing to note is two people, who love each other very much became one. Amen.

Adrienne and Funmi Photo: My husband

Hmmm… I can tell you about my overall experience as a slavebridesmaid. This was an African wedding and several jokes were made in many capacities, so if the term above or my humor offends you – I’m not sorry.

Let’s flashback. I remember my excitement the day I came home and told my husband (who is Yoruba) that I was asked to be in a wedding and to also par take in Aso Ebi. Talk about a bubble-buster. My somewhat non-traditional dude briefly explained his position on Aso Ebi and proceeded to ask what was on the menu for dinner that night. Since I wasn’t all that sold on what my hubby was telling me, I went to my virtual friend at GCTC to school me on Nigerian weddings (specifically Aso Ebi) and he forwarded me this link. Eeek.

Undeterred I kept my pledge to my dear friend to be there when emotions are flying at their highest on her wedding day. This is where I give you the inside scoop on all the Nollywood style Bridezilla action that took place. Ready? Well Bridezilla truly never showed up, but a woman who was ready to wed the man she loved was there in full armor. Since I’m used to working various events I have come to the conclusion (long-ago) that if you, me or anyone is apart of the show or working in some capacity it is likely that the personal fun level will be minimal. Such was the case here. I do write all of this smiling.

One of my duties during this event was the collection of money during the “spraying”. See Urban Dictionary definition here. Initially I thought this would be a cake walk. Dance around the bride and groom and pick up some dollar bills as they are being tossed around in the air. Close to the end of the night I was wondering when these oh-so-generous and giving people were going to stop. They were not the broke po’ folk types. Nope. These were doctors, lawyers and various other business folks. Cha-ching! Luckily, I was not alone in servicing the bride and groom in this manner, but I wonder if anyone else has the same sore feeling in their thigh muscles? Anyone?

Me, Marilyn, Jennifer and Funmi. Photo: Wedding Guest

Long side-story short: Be ready to put in some work and smile. If my act of service was of any help to the amazing couple then my night was 100% fantastic. Thank you for the experience and congrats to you both. May the journey forward be an exciting passion-filled ride into the future.

xoxo!

P.S. Because I was tending to the collection of money on the dance floor along with being in the ceremony I took few pictures of my own. I will update this entry as others share their own captured memories.

There are times in life where I feel very much like I’m embracing the “kid at heart.” Today was one of them. I made what will probably be my last trip to the beach for the rest of 2010. Siesta Key (home to one of Florida’s best beaches) played host to the 1st Annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic where master sand sculptors from across the country are invited to turn the soft white beach sand into beautiful works of art. You’ll notice from my photos below that the words I am writing are no tall-tale.

Every single sculpture was dynamic. Some were playful and full of fantasy. Others were incredibly thought-provoking. Each one was worthy of prize and applause. If you were not lucky enough to attend I urge you to at least visit their website and read the artists profiles and see their past works in additions to the few snapshots I’ve taken below and poorly captioned. I do hope that Siesta Key will continue to host this wonderful event so I can continue to unleash my inner child over-and-over again. xo

So… Saturday night. Let’s say I had a pretty awesome time celebrating my good friend’s final hooray as an unmarried woman. Disappointed that I had missed her bridal shower while in Ethiopia this year, I wanted to be sure to contribute in FUN to the highest degree possible. But get your head out the gutter. Being the beautiful, classy and oh-so sophisticated ladies we are — there wasn’t anything too risque at this bachelorette party. Or was there? I am not to be held responsible for the cake. I did eat a slice.

We started the night with dinner at Ceviche’s, then moved onto Cepha’s in Ybor before wrapping it up on the dance floor at Aja in Channelside. It was a fairly diverse mix of locations and none of which I’d been to before. (I’ve dined at Ceviche’s in St. Pete, but never Tampa.) The food at Ceviche’s TPA was consistent with what I’ve had in the past, but I prefer the atmosphere of the St. Pete spot. Open-air island / reggae spots are a winner no matter what — so Cepha’s was cool. It was only a pinch strange that there was no one there when we arrived, but who cares? The night was about us ladies having a good time with the beautiful bride-to-be. Aja isn’t a club I plan on visiting again. The DJ downstairs on that particular Saturday night was garbage if you ask me and the crowd, eh-eh. I danced regardless.

No more talking though. Good times and photos below to prove it. Looking forward to the wedding next weekend.

This evening I went out for some free Argentine Tango lessons in the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park up in downtown TPA. I refreshed my memory of the basic “ocho” and took off for home shortly after. I do believe I could be fairly good at Tango if only I enrolled in a few classes and dance is always a better alternative to running. I’ll have to do something soon. I’ll just have to see if I can get the husband involved. What a bonus that would be and we could stay right here in Tampa. No exotic trips to Buenos Aries necessary, but it would be nice to taste some of the delicious ice cream again. :/

Exit daydream.

Anyhow, my plate will be pretty full as 2010 starts to come to a close, but I’m looking forward to it all right here on the home front. Saying that makes me feel odd for some strange reason. Can’t place my finger on it, but now may be the right time to switch gears. We’ll see.