You know when you’re ready to run off away from everything and need a little alone time? Maybe you sneak off and tip-toe to the old tree stump in the forest to have a listen to what the birds are saying. Perhaps you drift off into the sweet sea or “Cocibola” as the ancient indigenous call it in Nicaragua. Your escape place might even be a bit psychedelic taking your mind to other worlds by meditating in the corner of your bedroom. Do you hide from family, friends or yourself? Do seek out complete silence in this place or the hustle and bustle of a busy cafe where no one really gives a squat about you? Sure those type of things are supposed to be a secret, but tell me.

Sad to say this, my favorite hiding place is on the other side of the computer screen. The location doesn’t make much difference. After I made it back from my last big trip, I acted quickly to share stories and pictures and all the moments I couldn’t let you in on due to poor or expensive internet connection abroad. I’ve left a few notes here afterwards, but nothing too wordy. And it’s all because I’ve been lurking the internet, wasting away the days just hiding here and not really saying much at all. That’s sort of like hiding in a hiding place right? For now let’s just consider this my favorite hiding place. I’d like to think I’m not that pathetic.

Over the last week in hiding I have used this time to scheme, regroup, THINK and think some more and I’ve left some comments on a few myspace pages too. I lied earlier. I haven’t gone entirely invisible. Only in gmail, but no one ever bothers me there. I’ve been terribly productive. My resume has been zapped into several email inboxes at various marketing companies and also Intrepid Travel. Imagine me as a group leader taking adventure hungry foreigners on tours across the U.S.! I do those types of things now voluntarily. I’m keeping the hope that I’ll get at least one or two emails back after everyone has had their turkey and stuffing next week. For my private hustle I’ve been looking into ways to help promote my newly released children’s book and gearing up for the next phase of marketing this baby. Happy to say I already have one book signing set up, but I’ll do a more official announcement soon.

Escape from this hiding place of mine is continuously being pursued through some very creative outlets which I will share with you now. To start, my favorite magazine (Planet) recently held their first-ever Global Travel Photo Contest. I was able to sneak my entries in just before the conclusion of the contest and so now I will sit biting my nails in waiting. Please, let me be the winner of any prize if not the very awesome grand prize! Iceland being one of my dream destinations also fell onto my radar recently. No ticket in hand yet and now would be a good time considering the krona is crumbling. If interested this random selection contest to win a trip for two to Iceland ends on December 31st. If Iceland isn’t a place you’d like to escape to or spend time hiding in look to Intrepid Travels contest giveaway. They’ve got some amazing trips of a lifetime they are giving away asking you only for a few words on why you’d like to go. They still have ten more days of giveaways. Lastly, if you have T-Mobile, you may be interested in this year’s free companion flight promotion. Not nearly as good as last year’s fly free holiday promotion, but I’ll take it.

In addition to all these little possibilities of vacation travel there have been some actual tickets booked. The first was for Cancun. Anyone have any suggestions for Christmas in Mexico? The second is for D.C. and you can’t tell me it is not dope to travel to watch history be made before your eyes. I was really pushing for Toronto, but that looks out of the green before the end of the year. NYC could is also so-so at this point.

For now I’ll continue hiding out here, in Tampa – behind the computer screen.

Tomorrow marks my exit from the VzW Street Team tour which has been loads of fun over the last six months. I’m in Dallas now where I will work my last event with my awesome new replacement and then fly out to Tampa. I’m sure she’ll rock! I won’t be on the tour grind again for a moment and people have asked if I will I miss it… Well, yes and no. This type of stuff runs through my veins. However, I must try and take on other endeavors tugging at my sleeve. What will they be? You know I’ll do my best to keep you posted.

Goodnight.

Can’t say that I’ve got anything exciting planned here in Texas for this last week other than my work related events, but I’m sure things will pep back up sooner than later. There are several interesting projects ahead, but for now my focus is here. Somewhere.

VzW store in Tallahassee. Photo: Adrienne C. Wilson


Then you might have caught glimpse of this mob scene. Photo: Chick-Fil-A Chick

And if you were super cool like me and the Chick-Fil-A Chick then you would have had the clown make you a hat to wear. Photo: Germany Mayfield

Lastly, when the day was over I fell onto the grass to ponder which type of clouds were floating above? Before the super itchy-itch started to kick in or before the ants started coming I hopped off of the grass. Photo: Germany Mayfield

When I got back into the hotel I made it into a little piece of art. Now I’ve decided I’m tired. I should probably hit the sack. We’ve got to drive up to Franklin, TN tomorrow.

On the road… again.

Photo: Adrienne C. Wilson

“Little…”

This is the shout you would have heard coming from our Verizon Wireless setup this weekend had you been at the Riverfest here in Little Rock. Riverfest is an annual music, food, and arts festival held on two sides of the Arkansas River during Memorial Day weekend. It is the largest festival in Arkansas according to the official website and according to our event contacts there was a record number of people in attendance. Could it have been Chaka Khan or Z.Z. Top bringing in all those folks? Maybe it was aroma from all the BBQ, shrimp, and funnel cake luring them towards the river bank. Do I dare say it was the ringing of one of our event site cell phones pulling in a crowd?

T-L: Riverfest flags on poles seen around the park. T-R: Wooden roses for sale. B-L: Quapaw carving. B-R: Gator head as seen at Capt’n Dave’s across from our event site. Photos: Adrienne C. Wilson

This weekend officially made for the longest week of my life. Tornado sirens in Roswell, lame birthday and the humidity and rain from this weekend is a lot to soak in one week. Not to mention the everyday sort of stuff one must endure. By the end of each day my feet were on fire, throbbing and stinking. I couldn’t stand myself. My feet couldn’t stand me. I felt like I couldn’t stand anymore. And these aren’t complaints. I am just speaking on behalf of my feet. You know how chatty they can get. After all they are the ones taking me on all these great adventures. Like, I was saying though I was at Riverfest as a vendor and not for leisure. My co-worker and I worked with other VzW staff and we had some day-staffers help out as well. Overall I’d say we were pretty successful in making everyone have fun with the exception of Capt’n Dave and his crew. They probably wanted to walk us right off a plank into the river because of the large crowds we kept drawing in. Oops! Sorry. That’s my job. Like most other events we gave out free goodies and engaged with consumers and had dance contests and saw many freaks and weirdos.

We even had a chance to get in a photo-op with a NBA star! Well I didn’t, but my co-worker did. I didn’t even know who the guy was and since I don’t watch basketball AT ALL for all I know the entire NBA could have walked by without my knowing. Here’s a picture of him and Joe Johnson who happens to be from Arkansas. I had to call my co-worker just now to get his name again and I’m placing the picture here because he is famous so I’m obligated or something, right? I’m such a snob. Geez. Okay, so famous B-ball player at the Riverfest shot is what I was saying…

Germ and Joe Johnson. Photo: Adrienne C. Wilson

I opted to have my photo taken with the Riverfest creature. And just when I thought it was all about me, me, me – some kid jumped in and tried to steal my shine, so I covered his face with a pink square. His parents would probably appreciate that anyway. Photo: Germany Mayfield

To say the least festivals are pretty great places to be to watch people and to be watched. There were some scary people, confused people, young people, old people, middle-aged people, people who should have put more thought into their outfit, people who should have had on more clothing and so forth. Everyone kept talking about one guy who was walking around with the official Riverfest buttons hanging off from his nipple rings. I finally decided to ask him what that fashion statement was all about and whether it was painful. He said it hurt a little, but he liked the shock value. Poor guy.

And then there was a guy (very scary in fact) who had the two teardrops tattooed by his eye. Germany pointed out that he had murdered two people. I’ve heard this before so that wasn’t new news, but he didn’t have a shirt on and so I saw every tat on his flesh from the waist up. There was a rather large one of what looked like a mom and daughter. I hope those teardrops weren’t from them. GULPS. Isn’t something how the imagination gets away from you?

Lastly there was some 18 1/2 year old boy who attempted getting my number so we could talk sometime. Um, yeah – I don’t think so. He and his pals were something else and asked to have their picture taken. I warned them that I would post their picture on my site and so you can see it below beneath the fireworks. I noticed only through my viewfinder that several of them were wearing a lot of green. I decided to act naive and ask why all the green? I wanted to see where the young men’s heads were at… One of them said…
“I don’t know about them, but Paru…” Or something of that nature. It didn’t sound familiar or like a frat or even a church group, but I decided to play dumb more. Here’s my response, “so what’s that?” They told me to forget about it which told me it wasn’t anything too amazing, but if it were a local gang I hope this young men decide to drop it sooner than later and opt for a variety of colors and prints in their wardrobe. A friend of mine warned me that they were still bangin’ in Little Rock and to be careful. I guess – now I know.

I did meet some pretty awesome people too. Weirdos just tend to stick out. Shout outs to John Mcgauhy from Memphis and Zee from Columbia, S.C.

Here’s some shots from the fireworks over the Arkansas River and some taken in my rear view as the crowd begins to call it a night and head out.

All photos: Adrienne C. Wilson

Hope you all had an interesting Memorial Day weekend and a safe one too. May we remember all those lost in service and to those still out there on the line and in the battlefield. GET HOME SAFE!

Strength.

Welcome to The Villages in Lady Lake, FL. Photo: Adrienne C. Wilson

The 1:30 PM scene on Main Street. Photo: Adrienne C. Wilson

A few of the classic vehicles parked in front of our area. Photo: Adrienne C. Wilson

Main Street before things got a bit crowded. Photo: Adrienne C. Wilson

Pop up the top and see what you’ve got! A mighty fine engine – I’m sure. Photo: Adrienne C. Wilson

The view to my left. Photo: Adrienne C. Wilson

Tomorrow will be another fun filled day at the Raleigh Keith Urban show. I can’t wait. I can’t wait. Yes, I can. Must sleep. Need laundry done now! NoW! NOW.

So… Let’s see… I’m in Raleigh, which is in North Carolina and makes for the 48th state I’ve visited. I once flew through Charlotte, N.C. on a flight to somewhere, but my layover was so short I couldn’t count it as a real visit and I don’t like counting trips in an airport as stops anyway. I’ve got one full day off on Sunday here that i’d like to use to do some exploring, but I’m only checking free attractions right now which there is a whole list here. Anyone in Raleigh or North Carolina have any suggestions?

The clothes have stopped tumbling. It’s time to get some rest in Raleigh.

Night.

I’ve been quiet for the last 10 or so days because I have been hiding in the sunshine. Can’t tell you how good it feels sometimes being in Florida in winter and in the early days of spring. I feel as though I’ve gotten pale and while I’ve moved away from Tampa without a single trip to the beach, I still have some time to lay out and soak it all in here in Orlando. It won’t be at the beach, but poolside at my hotel will certainly suffice.

So, how was my time at home? Mmm – Productive. Germ and I had to work at a Verizon Com event in Ybor City which didn’t go as well as everyone expected, but that was beyond our control. We were in Ybor for three days working and I managed to expand my wireless knowledge while I was there so that’s a plus especially when you’re out crusading for a wireless network. Right? Aside from work there was a little play too. I saw my family and friends. Tarik did some stand-up at Side Splitters in Tampa – not too far from my home. It was my first time seeing a comedy show there and his performance was very, very good. I giggled, laughed and almost choked. My co-worker Germ and his friend came along to hang with my friends. My friend Paula from Alabama was also in town for training and swung by with some of her co-workers to LOL in the place! Hehe. My dear pal Muna was there and Chi Chi and EJ and a whole bunch of other folks so I managed to see them all in one go.

Other things that got done – the dreaded visit to the tax dude. Where’s my stimulus dough, man?

My mom and I discovered a once-upon-a-time disco group by the name of Boney M. while we were getting our pedicures and manicures. The Vietnamese folks schooled us to how popular the group was in the 70′s in Vietnam for their infectious music and of course – the dancing. The dvd they played must have had some crazy effect on us, because we couldn’t get Boney M. out of our heads. Which leads me to fill you in on this juicy bit: The Magic of Boney M. dvd has been ordered and is on its way! I also went onto Wikipedia to get extra schooled on the group only to find the same guy behind Boney M. was also behind Milli Vinilli. Don’t turn away. Really! Read further. How could America have missed such an act like Boney M.?

Okay, so here is a little Boney M. video for you. Isn’t it fun to end Monday with a little Disco?!?

Alright! That’s enough! Hope your day is sunny daddy cool and I’ll be seeing you down the rivers of Babylon!

Pon dat!
Adrienne

Eid Nooroz! Happy Persian New Year everyone! The year is now 1387! For those of us that just celebrate the turning of seasons -Happy Spring Time! It feels as though this week has been spilling over with reasons to celebrate and spread good cheer. You can probably seeing it pouring out in my photos. For starters I am in Dallas, TX once again and I’m finding it’s not so bad. Especially when the weather is on my side. I know Barbie can smile for that one.

Yesterday, at the Dallas Galleria I saw a Rosetta Stone kiosk in the mall and decided what better time to get real and serious about learning Farsi than at the turn of a new year! Long story short I purchased levels 1 & 2 which include over 500 hours of language lessons and have already started practicing. If anyone out there reading wants to practice with me – please let me know.

Coming down from a very short handstand. Photo: Germany Mayfield

Today in Dallas, my co-worker Germany and I spent the day working. I am sure you can tell by my photos, but seriously we did. We did what they call Guerilla Marketing. I’m no stranger to this task as I have done it many times before, but some of you may not be as familiar. In its most simplest description it can be described much like grass roots marketing and promotion. On foot, face-to-face with the public, and very low key, unless take on a Beastie Boys type of approach. For the protection and privacy of those so willing to talk to us strangers on the street after all those years of their mothers and fathers preaching not to, I cannot post the pictures here in my blog to really show us in action during this long grueling day of guerilla in Dallas, so you’ll have to take my word for it and enjoy these outtakes.

Playing hide and seek. Photo: Germany Mayfield

So today I was hit with this fill in the blank: Diversity is____________.

What is diversity to you? It was on some company’s advertisement in the Northpark Mall here in Dallas. As I was filling out my post-it note with Diversity is EARTH, a kid approached me and asked what I was doing. I explained the paper was there to put what your idea of diversity is and then he asked me what diversity meant. I explained it the best way I could and his mother approached just as I was explaining why I had answered EARTH. Reason being the planet we live on is filled with different trees, people, animals, cars, homes, schools, tennis shoes, bumble gum flavors, computers, chapsticks and even cell phone carriers. There is a lot of diversity on this planet. The kid decided to write: Diversity is U.S.A.

Let’s try this. Humor me some and fill in the blanks in the comment section below. Don’t think about it just place the first word that comes to mind in the blank.

A Spring Time Story by:______________ (your name there)

This morning when I woke up there was an _____________ outside of my___________. I dashed out of bed and _______ the curtains apart. I could smell the smell of _____________ and I could hear the sound of ____________, but I couldn’t tell where it was coming from. My mind was ___________with thoughts of ___________ and _________ and___________. This all couldn’t have happened at a better time. But why? Why me? Why NOW? To make sure things were ________, I _________ to the ________ and inquired about what I had smelled and the __________ I heard earlier. The old _________ just looked me in my ________ and said, but yes, _________ has arrived. Because __________ is here.

Please feel free to continue and please fill in the blanks. Or leave me with some blanks to fill as well. I am sure you can get much more creative than that….

Happy clovers and little green leprechaun day from Austin. Have some Guinness or brew of choice for me. I’ll be here in my Extended Stay of America drinking Smart Water and listening to Ghostland Observatory’s latest and previous (just purchased). Worry not though because, I’ve got a yee-pinch of green on and a lucky lickle 4-leaf clover tatted on my wrist. Yes, Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!!

So, I feel like I’m on another planet. No longer do I totally, utterly, dislike Texas which means all the residents of this massive state can breathe a HUGE Texas size sigh-of-relief. You did it Austin! It’s all you! Austin is a very swell spot. I would say SXSW played a big part in all the groovy feelings I now have for Texas, but I did get out and about some for other work related reasons that allowed me to see the city. If all works out I’ll even go have a walk down by the river today before we leave tomorrow. What’s the name of that river? In short Austin appears to have the package deal: Good food (I have not even tipped the iceberg), Natural attractions/outdoor recreation, Good music and a pretty affordable housing market from what I hear. Yet, I don’t know that I could live in Texas off of Austin alone.

Let me tell you about the work week past and how much of SXSW I actually had the chance to enjoy. I have some highlights and I have some lowlights. My VzW street team partner, Germany and I worked with KLBJ at Maggie Mae’s Pub the entire time. From the moment we arrived we’d heard nothing, but great stuff about Maggie Mae’s and it almost lived up to them all. If you’re a visitor just coming to check out some of the daily performances then you should have no worries. If you’re working folks like us then you might have to watch for the sheep’s wool being pulled over your eyes. In a nutshell our event could have been better, but we made due with what we could and created memorable experiences for VzW. Our mission was to hand out premiums and SXSW/VzW related swag along with these really cool ScanDisk memory cards for cell phones. They were very much head-turners and great conversation starters.

Sorry, I should back track so that I don’t lose anyone. SXSW is one of the largest music festivals in the South Western U.S. and music lovers, bands, and fans travel from all across the world to be apart of it one way or another. It is a photographer’s dreamland if the type that likes to snap character shots. It is a place to nab a ton of free goodies from all sorts of brands dying to get their goods into your hands. (I.e. Dentyne, Protein Zone, Cha Cha and beyond) Ultimately it is a place to hear your favorite bands and discover new ones. A badge gets you into any concert, a wrist band gets you in if there is a capacity and God plus a cover can only get you into some of the hotter select spots after that. While I had a list of peeps I wanted to check in the beginning I learned that work would prohibit me from checking out the main one’s I wanted to see (J*Davey, Nouveau Riche, Ice Cube, and some others I am sure.) I did get a chance to see J*Davey in passing, but a live show would have certainly done the trick considering it has been about four years since I caught a show in D.C. (Where does the time go?) On the last night of the festival I went to see a reggae band called Rootz Underground at the Flamingo Cantina on 6th. I urge you to check them out. Like most participants I was able to get a lot of free music from upcoming artists on the streets and one really good one I have had the chance to listen to so far is Adam Chaki’s Snowcite. I encourage you to listen to that one as well. If all else fails or I have failed in providing you with a reasonable of list of music you should be downloading from this event or in general – I’m really not sorry for you.

Maybe you should try harder to be there next year. Find a job with one of those promo companies, recruit some of your friends and better: make some music of your own. I’ll be listening for you. If you were there and you happened to see the chicken or myself around 6th – please leave me a comment. The only real lowlight I have was seeing this dude’s massive tangle of pubic hair pushing up from behind the denim for the world to see. The world didn’t need to see it. I didn’t.
I exit listening to Snoop Dogg’s Ego Trippin’.

P.S. If in Austin, you can pass on dining at Cuba Libre. The food was edible at best, but nothing fantastic or closely related to Havana other than the plantains. I cashed in some of my frequent flyer miles with United to get a restaurant GC and used it at Cuba Libre. If I hadn’t had the free $25 dollars I would probably be one hot tamale. And that’s not Cuban either.