With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
Video footage starring Adam
28 Mar 2013 Leave a Comment
in Adam, Blessings, California, Changes, Family, Homesick, Justice, Miracles, Motherhood, San Luis Obispo County, Sibling love, Single mama, SLO, Sloane, Travels, Unconventional Parenting, YouTube
The end is [really] near
19 Mar 2013 Leave a Comment
in Adam, California, Family, San Luis Obispo County, Travels, Unconventional Parenting
A DATE HAS BEEN SET FOR ADAM’S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA.
It is soon. That’s all I’ll say. Bapa is going to take him home on the train. Once they’re all aboard and heading east, then you can expect an announcement. He’s finally going to meet his sister…
Aunt Nita, Cousin Josh, and Adam
Adam has lived with Nita, David, and their son, Josh, since the day he was taken from me. He’s been in their home–and an important part of their family– since November 2011.
These photos will stay in Adam’s Tennessee bedroom. I’ll write the emotional, heavy post later. But for now we’ll meet Adam’s California family through pictures.
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
MBC13
13 Mar 2013 Leave a Comment
in Changes, * R. i. P. *, Caylee Anthony, Dr. Krause, Adam, Spirituality, Television, Admiration, The Wee One, Travels, California, Megan Childers- favorite roomie, Alan Gompers, Ambition, Poor Decisions, Sibling love, Guilt, Inspiration, College, University of Memphis, Ocean, News, Opportunity, Mentor, NYC 2010, Highest Self, Meditation, Firsts, Fox News Tags: Greta van Susteren, Mike Huckabee, On the Record, The Huckabee Show
• March Blog Challenge •
Day 13: Do you have regret?
Here’s an actual answer of mine from a MySpace survey several years ago:. “‘No regrets’ summarizes my philosophy on life. Do I make mistakes? Of course. Are there things I would have done differently? Oh yeah. But life is too short to dwell on what could have been. There’s no use crying over spilled milk. Mop it up and move on. Instead of regret view everything as a learning experience. Objectively analyze the situation. Be prepared to face some harsh truths. What were the consequences? Use this knowledge to prevent you from similar outcomes in the future. It’s much easier said than done– and most of us make the same mistakes multiple times before we actually learn– but I try valiantly to have no regrets.
My first apartment [with Megan!] was such a fun time.
Two regrets of mine both involve travel.
In 2007 there was an opportunity for English majors at the University of Memphis to spend six weeks in Romania helping local students learn the English language. Cultural immersion, including staying with a host family, going on field trips, and taking classes on language and history, was the dual focus. It was perfect for me– community service, culture, school credit, doing something I loved and could do well, interesting classes, being in an area of the world where I’ve always wanted to travel, and the experience of studying abroad without the commitment of a full semester. Yet I inexplicably watched the deadline come and go without ever submitting my paperwork.
The next winter I declined an offer to fly to New York to visit my dear friend, Sean Krause. He understood my hesitations about traveling with a 9-month-old Adam [and respected the fact that leaving him during his first Christmas season wasn't an option] and we both agreed to take a rain check. Tragically, we never got that chance because he passed away in February.
Name checked by Greta
So when I got an invitation to fly to NYC and appear on Fox News the following year…I didn’t hesitate. Adam would enjoy a week of being spoiled by his grandparents while I pursued a once in a lifetime opportunity. As I sat in the green room giggling from nerves I thought of Sean, my mentor, and his appearance on Greta Van Susteren’s show. As I wandered aimlessly around the city streets, soaking up my first time in the Big Apple, I knew Sean would be so proud. As I experienced a satsang with Alan Gompers [a personal hero of mine] in Greenwich Village, a transformative experience, I thanked Sean for his help getting me here.”
The last thing I saw before I walked on stage and met the life studio audience
“So in the end, was it worth it? Jesus Christ. How irreparably changed my life has become. It’s always the last day of summer and I’ve been left out in the cold with no door to get back in. I’ll grant you I’ve had more than my share of poignant moments. Life passes most people by while they’re making grand plans for it. Throughout my lifetime, I’ve left pieces of my heart here and there. And now, there’s almost not enough to stay alive. But I force a smile, knowing that my ambition far exceeded my talent. There are no more white horses or pretty ladies at my door.” ~ Blow
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
Mandy’s DOB
10 Mar 2013 Leave a Comment
in Birthdays, College, Da Real Homiez, Friends, JiLTED, Ole Miss, STiR, Travels
Happy birthday, Mandy!
One of my closest friends from college [and my Facebook wifey] celebrates her birthday today. I value her friendship, opinions, and our creative collaborations immensely. Can we please launch JiLTED within a month of my touchdown below the Mason Dixon line?!
The fact that we went six years without seeing each other before our reunion this Christmas should be criminal. Never again! But it’s pretty incredible we were even able to pull off a rendezvous….up until the last minute I didn’t think I’d be able to spend the holiday with my daughter. And she just so happened to be driving through Memphis en route to Jackson, MS while I was home. Don’t you just love those serendipitous moments when all the stars align? It meant the world to me that she got to meet Tatum. Next time she’ll meet Adam as well.
Bowling For Soup’s song “1985″ was my first choice for the musical selection, considering that’s the year of our birth. But then I remembered how much fun we had with this song during our freshman year at Ole Miss and had a change of heart. Mandy’s recommendations for new material I’d like are always spot on– she has impeccable taste in music.
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
MBC4
10 Mar 2013 1 Comment
in Cousins, Family, Marriage, Travels
• March Blog Challenge •
Day 4: Favorite childhood memory
As I get older I realize just how fortunate I am in terms of my upbringing and the extremely close relationship I’ve always had with my family. Nobody ever treated me inappropriately or abused my trust– and it’s shocking and sickening hoe many people cannot say that. Save a few upsets and an unfortunate trip to Shiloh, my childhood would be considered ideal by most standards. I enjoyed normalcy, routine, and structure. My parents were attentive and involved and ensured our home was happy and safe. They set boundaries and established that above all else they were Mom & Dad, not my best buddy. Nobody pushed me into any activities and I had the freedom to pursue my own interests. Questions were always encouraged with answered given patiently. I never felt as though I was a source of irritation or excluded. Our extended family gathered frequently. The adults in my life were positive role models. We laughed a lot. Above all I felt loved, valued, and appreciated.
Now I know where Adam gets his photo faces…
[Aunt Sarah & Uncle Tommy's house • Germantown, TN • Easter 1989]
No one particular memory stands out as my favorite. Some of the best times I had were spent with my older cousins, Oliver and Gideon, so many of the fondest memories involve them. We went to movies together often. Major holidays and eagerly anticipated new releases had us in line at Malco, usually with my Dad. We went on road trips to Cookeville to see our relatives and learn fascinating information about our lineage. On one such trip we even snuck me into Spanky’s, but I’ll save that story for another day. I attended all of their graduations from both high school and college [and I know they would have done the same for me had I opted to participate such tedious ceremonies]. I had roles– printed in the program nonetheless!– in each of their weddings [and I would have done the same for them if my marriage ceremony wasn't so 'nontraditional']. I love my cousins [and their awesome wives too] and am so blessed that they have been such a huge part of my life from childhood to the present day. I know our bond will continue for the rest of our lives and hope we pass it on through our children as well. Gideon and his wife have two sons [younger than Adam but older than Tatum] so the cousins are moving into the next generation….
The most recent of the cousin shots that have accumulated over the years
[Mom & Dad's house • Germantown, TN • Christmas 2012]
Their separate college experiences contributed some exciting memories as well. My first concert was the Rolling Stones [how cool is that?!]. If not for Oliver and his friend from school sitting a few rows away, Mom and Aunt Sarah, my tickets to the show, might not have gone. I also got to witness a thrilling college football game [and that's saying something because I'm apathetic to sports] between Tennessee & Arkansas– where the Vols beat the Razorbacks after SEVEN ROUNDS of overtime– which I never would have seen had Gideon not went to school at UT.
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
MBC3
07 Mar 2013 Leave a Comment
in Admiration, Bullying, Faith, Humor, Inspiration, Kids, Lyrics, Motherhood, Music, Neshoba, Parenting, Travels
• March Blog Challenge •
Day 3: What Makes You Happy?
Generally speaking the things that make me happy can be categorized into seven themes: children, good people, helping others, travel, humor, the little things, and songs.
☻ Children ☻
Adam and Tatum bring me the greatest joy I’ve ever known– motherhood. The rewards are infinite. My son and daughter complete me.
Yet even before I was a parent I’ve always loved kids. Whether it’s teaching the K-2nd grade students at Neshoba, tutoring, babysitting, or anything in between, I do what I can to be around children as often as possible. Few things are more gratifying than watching a young person learn and develop as they blossom before you. Their innocence, enthusiasm, wide-eyed curiosity, straightforward logic, frequent questions, and ‘saying the darnedest things’ moments are endearing.
Always look for an excuse to unleash your inner child.
☻ Good People ☻
Examples of the tragic consequences of bullying make headlines with alarming frequency. Social media exacerbates the epidemic, contributing to bad behavior from all age levels. People can be so cruel. So it’s always refreshing to see stories of folks behaving nicely. Like the homeless man who returned a woman’s wedding ring– and her subsequent fundraising to reward him for his kindness. Or the kids who stood on the sidelines cheered on their physically handicapped classmate as he finished a race. The airline employees who helped a passenger get to his dying mother’s bedside. Anyone and everyone who does something out of the kindness of their heart…doing something because it’s the right thing to do without expecting anything in return. Those who stand up for others and speak out against injustice.
Instances such as these occur on a daily basis. Wouldn’t it be nice if the media covered more of those to counteract the negativity that saturates our news? Let’s inspire and encourage.
☻ Helping Others ☻
If not for my desire to help others as much and as frequently as I am able then my ability to weather the storm would be severely compromised. Simply put, helping you helps me, and the mutual benefit makes me happy. I’m thrilled to make another person feel good about themselves or make their lives easier. Even the smallest actions, such as smiling at a stranger on the street, can have a big impact on their day.
☻ Travel ☻
I don’t care where I’m going, how I get there, who I’m with, or what we’re doing. If the opportunity to travel arises…my bags are packed and I’m out the door. Some of the best trips don’t involve any packing or even any bags. I live for those spur of the moment, impromptu road trips. Even though I have a passport and have traveled extensively– driving across the bridge into West Memphis to eat at Waffle House and cruise through an unfamiliar neighborhood makes for a ‘foreign’ experience. A wrong turn could easily be a source of frustration– or one hell of a story! Roll with the punches and make the most of it. And take lots of pictures.
[[Obviously traveling with the wee ones requires coordination and advanced planning, but it's still possible to incorporate an element of adventure and a carefree spirit.]]
The British Virgin Islands for Jen & Todd’s 2005 wedding is one none of us will ever forget.
☻ Little Things ☻
It truly doesn’t take much to make me happy.
Taking baths. Meeting somebody with whom you really ‘click.’ Finding imperative items for a fraction of the price at a thrift store. Meaningful conversations. Seeing the ocean. A delicious meal. Exciting games in Words With Friends. Stumbling upon unique rocks. Talking to Maris. <3
☻ Humor ☻
Life is funny. Nothing is ever so bad that you can't laugh. Virtually every situation contains humor. Laugh freely and laugh often. It's okay to be politically incorrect.
Cheer up, emo dude, top center.
☻ Songs ☻
I could be listening to the eulogy mid-funeral, hear one of these, and be in a great mood. Not that I anticipate that scenario ever happening or anything. 
DISCLAIMER: Some of these ditties contain lyrics that are obscene at best and downright vulgar at worst. You have been sufficiently warned that these are NSFW or little ears, so listen at your own risk. The video/song below is squeaky clean.
“Scotty Doesn’t Know” – Lustra
“Damn It Feels Good To Be A Gangsta” – Geto Boys
“Peggy Sue” – Buddy Holly
“3.14″ – Bloodhound Gang
“Holiday” – Weezer
“Scene For Dummies” – Hollywood Undead
“Mr. Right” – Mickey Avalon
“Black Jesus” – Everlast
“Goin Steady” – Rocko
“No Hands” – Waka Flocka Flame ft. Wale & Roscoe Dash
“Go DJ” – Lil Wayne
“Still Fly” – Big Tymers
“Whatever You Like” – TI
“Army” – Ben Folds Five
“Volcano” – Presidents of the United States of America
High school memories. Hey Alg!
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
Is this really happening?
13 Nov 2012 Leave a Comment
Ten glorious days with Tatum transported me to a blissful state, much like a dream. She’s gone now. And I’m wide awake.
How much more must we endure?
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
Drugs for kids, Rick Santorum, and new amphibians
02 Mar 2012 1 Comment
in Drugs, Links, Politics, Travels, Uncategorized, Writing
The joy Tatum brings to our family is indescribable. We adore our little angel. Yet even with her in my arms there is still so much heartbreak. I am determined to spend the rest of my Tennessee time focused on my precious daughter. During those difficult periods where she’s napping and I’m left alone with my thoughts….it’s time to unleash my tried and true defense mechanisms of mindless distractions and pretending this nightmare is a figment of my imagination. Neither one of these works, at least not for very long, but a temporary ‘escape’ helps me return to my mission with renewed strength and focus. With that being said, enjoy the links that piqued my interest recently.
As horrifying as this article is, it doesn’t surprise me in the least. Young people are the perfect consumers. Catch them young enough and they’ll be buyers for life. To hear of ‘cheese addicts’ [and we're not talking about my penchant for the dairy product] and kids ‘overdosing on Strawberry Quick’ makes me ill. It’s never too early to talk to your children about drugs.
Can you imagine what our society would be like if these were legal items to purchase?
Perhaps it is in poor taste to write about legalizing drugs considering the previous paragraph but I try to group things in a way that makes sense to me. Citing Portugal’s decision to decriminalize drugs [and the subsequent 50% drop in drug abuse over the course of ten years] as an example, author Richard Rider offers compelling examples as to why drugs should be legalized in the United States. While this notion is shocking to some people– and I’m certainly not agreeing with him– he does make some valid points that we would be remiss not to consider when formulating an opinion on this issue.
Inhalable caffeine?! Where can I get some?! I completely understand the concerns with this product but in my mind all I see is the joy of multiple cups of coffee minus the disgusting taste and frequent trips to the ladies room.
“Rick Santorum Represents Everything Europeans Find Weird About America” – With such an interesting title I expected a little more substance….though the limited observations presented were interesting. Classes pertaining to international relations and comparative politics comprised much of my course load as a political science major and I’ve always been enthralled with the various forms of governments in our world. It’s fascinating to get a glimpse of how other nations view the United States. Reading foreign news sources regarding U.S. political coverage [especially during an election year] is something I highly recommend if it’s not already a part of your routine. Don’t be one of those insulated Americans who forgets the rest of the world exists.
Traveling makes you a better writer. I'd like to go here, please.
It’s no secret that Rick Santorum wouldn’t make the cut for scoring an invite to my ideal dinner party. His beliefs regarding women’s reproductive health never cease to amaze me with their sheer ignorance. Undergoing an amniocentesis is not “morally wrong”– it’s a potentially life saving test– and it is simply not true that it is used to “recommend abortion.” Had Sarah Fister Gale not received an amniocentisis, her daughter would have died shortly after birth….yet because she took her doctor’s advice [in response to an anomaly in her blood work] her daughter’s RH- disease did not cause them to bury an infant….and her 11 year old girl is now healthy. Yes, certain chromosomal disorders and neural tube defect detected from amniocentesis are deemed ‘incompatible’ with life and mothers are given the option to terminate. But what about those parents who use the results of such a crucial test to give their children the medical attention they need and the best quality of life possible?
There’s a new type of limbless amphibian recently discovered in northeastern India. So they’re not exactly the cutest things I’ve ever seen but it’s always exciting when science discovers something new!
Though I’ve never felt the need to justify my wanderlust– bonus points for the literary types who understand why writers should travel. I couldn’t agree more. While Disneyland may not be the Acropolis in terms of cultural value– it’s the next vacation on the calendar. Adam and I will take a Mommy and Me trip….and I know that experience will be infinitely more rewarding than any historic landmark.
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
Ground Zero Memorial, Brazil’s steamy soap operas, and Jo Calderone
31 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment
in Alan Gompers, Birth control, Celebrity, Crime, Injustice, International, Links, Patriotism, Politics, Pregnancy, Quacks, Travels, USA, West Memphis 3, Women
The 9/11 Memorial
One of my most surreal experiences in NYC involved Alan Gompers taking me to Ground Zero. He dropped me off and waited in the car a few blocks away, offering me my solitude as I gazed at the area where the Twin Towers once stood. At this time my view of the memorial was severely limited as it was under construction. The 9/11 Memorial is now completed– with the exceptions of a museum and shopping center to come later– and opens to the public on the tenth anniversary of September 11th. CNN’s account details the specifics of the design, acknowledges the conflicts associated with its construction, and shares a brief history of significant memorials in our country.
Imagine taking your first ride in an airplane….only to spot from the sky your home in the middle of a burglary. This happened to Steven Lynn of Jonesboro, AR. His uncle was at the residence and the two robbers ran from him– only to have Lynn’s pilot follow them as they attempted their escape– and describe their whereabouts to dispatchers. Police promptly busted the unlucky capers thanks to the aerial assist.
Shocker: Michele Bachmann says something stupid. Apparently she missed the memo that the Everglades is not the place to drill for oil and natural gases. Oopsie.
Consider Real Clear Politics to be your Cliff Notes on contemporary political issues. I wholeheartedly believe that society would be less apathetic to the political process if they understood it more and made an increased effort to be informed. As a political science major I cannot stand it when people adopt a snobbish attitude towards politics….that’s truly unfortunate. Knowledge is power. Arm yourselves. Real Clear Politics offers email updates to ensure you are up to date with all things political and includes some of the following categories: Real Clear Markets, Real Clear World, President Obama, Election 2012 Analysis, and National Security.
If you don't know who this person is, allow Real Clear Politics to assist you.
I’ve mentioned the West Memphis Three numerous times in this blog. Although most of you are familiar with the case I wanted to include a link of archives from WREG [the leading source for local news in Memphis]. In addition to the information you can find online, I highly recommend reading The Devil’s Knot by Mara Leveritt and watching the films Paradise Lost 1 & 2. I have yet to write my massive pieces regarding the acquital of these three men but I guarantee you it is coming.
“How a mix of female empowerment and steamy soap operas helped bring down Brazil’s fertility rate and stroke its vibrant economy” – National Geographic‘s article on Facebook grabbed my attention yesterday. [[Sidenote: National Geographic's brilliant photos and informative articles are posted daily on their Facebook page-- friend them if you haven't already.]] Reading about women defying societal and religious norms to take control over their reproductive lives is empowering. Their six-point plan for decreasing the nation’s fertility rate proved particularly interesting.
Lady Gaga a.k.a. Jo Calderone
Whatever your opinion on Lady Gaga’s music [it's not my cup of tea] you cannot dispute the fact that she most definitely makes a statement. For the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, Gaga attended as her male alter ego, Jo Calderone….yet were her intentions and message lost in this [arguably] over the top display? Kelsey Wallace, blogging for Bitch magazine, says: “I do appreciate her postmodern-to-the-extreme commentary on celebrity culture, and I like that she attempts to do something with the platforms she’s been given– both politically and artistically….however, the cheesy accent and wild mugging for the camera pushed the persona into self-indulgent territory.” For me it was too much. As the article mentions, Annie Lennox did this first, and I’m disappoint that Gaga [with the premiums she places on innovation] didn’t give credit where it was due.
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
Atascadero, CA <3
04 Aug 2011 2 Comments
in Adam, California, Changes, Family, Summer, Travels, Will Reed
Is this gorgeous or is this gorgeous?
A government building in Atascadero
All the pretty colors!
We have finally settled into our new home in California! Until we get a place of our own we are living with Will’s Aunt Nita and Uncle David in the lovely town of Atascadero, less than fifteen minutes from San Luis Obispo. For simplicity’s sake I’ll say we live in the SLO area. It’s really surprising how close so many of these cities are to one another. I’m completely unfamiliar with the area and I can recite at least half a dozen towns within close proximity to us. How wonderful this area– and our family here– is. I’m blessed wherever I go….and now I’m blessed that much more with palm trees and the Pacific Ocean. =)
Now that I have regular access to a computer my blogs will resume daily. I’ve missed you, WordPress! My next few entries will catch everyone up with my pregnancy, our train ride, and the first two AMAZING days we’ve spent in The Golden State.
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
