The Sassy Steel Magnolia
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  • January28th

    Dear DiaryYou may have noticed I skipped Tuesday’s post. Well that is because something took place Tuesday mid-morning that struck a chord with me and I wanted to address it here on my site. That is why this week I’ve decided to share an entry from my own personal Diary. One that I wrote just last night when I was thinking about the conversation, and one that I believe many of you will relate to. Normally no, I do not open up Dear Diary to anyone other than myself but with the way my letter turned out last night, I don’t think there’s any other way I could approach the subject better.

    Here it goes:

    dear diary entry.ai

    IMG_1231I hope that wasn’t too long of an entry, as I often try not to carry on here like that, but sometimes you just need to get things off your chest – let ‘em out – and break a box or two. My Dear Diary is used to my rants, raves, dreams, despairs and all of the above. In less than the past two years I’ve filled up nearly two Diaries with a 3rd waiting with patient and loving blank pages. I’ve found that having Deary Diary in your corner is one of the most powerful weapons a gal can have. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t need one of those every now and then.

  • January5th

    Being the first of the year and everyone still a buzz about resolutions and such, I thought it perfect to re-introduce a cause that I strongly believe in -- one that will truly be a fundamental in change, if we allow it to happen.

    My theory is — How can we expect to help another if we can not accept another? This is why I want to make sure the everyone, EVERYONE is aware of:

    Characters Unite

    I first wrote about me taking The Pledge back in early September of 2009. (click here for previous post) It is a movement started by the USA Network encouraging the

    •  combating prejudice, intolerance, discrimination and hate

    •  promoting greater acceptance, understanding and mutual respect of ALL people

    The goal is simple. I’m a Character. You’re a Character. We are all Characters in some form or fashion. So it is time for Characters to Unite and make the USA -- created by and made up of Characters -- a better place.

    characters unite

    In the past two months I’ve traveled quite a bit over the USA. From Northern New York to Southern Texas, from the East Coast to the Mighty Mississippi River and passed a million different people on the way. I stopped and talked to airline passengers from California, a couple from Portland, a kid who was coming back from Kansas, and the list goes on. All great conversations that make me very thankful that I was always encouraged to open the book before judging it by the cover. (although I do still struggle with it at times, the fundamentals were instilled long ago)

    And so I ask you, dear reader, to take a look at the commercial clip below. You may have seen it already on the USA Network, or you may have seen the new one they’ve recently put out, but please take a two minutes and watch it again. Then if you feel inclined, go the the Characters Unit web site and Take the Pledge! Either way, it’s a great site to check out. You can read other people’s pledges, get involved in the discussions, or take a look at the 50 Things You Can do To Unite the USA.

    If everyone tries a little more, our united bond (and country) will grow stronger and stronger each day.

  • December3rd

    This past Thanksgiving I flew up to West Hartford, Connecticut to visit my Sista Sista and her family. It took me a while to get up there (a story I won’t get into) but once I did, the weekend turned out to be one of the best Holidays I’ve ever had. Due in part to a day trip we took to the coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island. Talk about hitting my sweet spot, hello Newport!

    Let me rephrase that a bit  .. hello historical homes!

    There, that’s much more accurate. You see, I have a tiny fascination – borderline obsession – blatant and profound love for — History. Yes, you read correctly. I typed the word History. I, Jennie B, am a History Geek.(the beach wasn’t the only reason I moved to this City by the Sea) I love anything to do with history, historical homes (I once had The Hermitage – Andrew Jackson’s home – memorized), tours, re-enactments (I love battle re-enactments.), seminars (anything on Ancient Egypt gets me hooked for sure), books, movies (Patriot? Gladiator? Yes please!), tv, figures (FDR is my favorite president), museums, etc. etc. Favorite decade? The Roaring 1920’s. I could keep going. Do I sound overly excited? It happens.

    What can I say – it’s just one of those things people are a bit thrown off by when they learn about me. One of those awesomely phenomenal sides I keep bottled up until I really know a person. Why? Well, because I worry they’ll make fun of me. I know, sounds stupid but I have good reason. It’s happened before. I was laughed at and heard: ”So…you’re pretty much a History Geek…weirdo.” Apparently when you’re a dancer, you’re not supposed to venture into other things. Hmmmm there was no second date with that kid……..oh well……..que Sera, Sera!

    Hi Noah, my name is Jennie B. Thanks for the dictionary.

    Anyways, the point I’m trying to make here is that I’m A-Ok with being a 25 year old History Geek. Infact, there’s a good chance I’ll tell you myself before you can call me out on it. But now, now I’m going to call YOU out, or at least encourage you to call yourself out here at The Sassy Steel Magnolia. Attention Readers: We want to know — What kind of Geek are You? Everyone has  a lil geek inside of them, they just may not be comfortable with embracing it in front of others.  Techy geeks, design geeks, sewing geeks, puzzle geeks, cycle geeks, writing geeks (hi, me too again), health geeks…you name it. We’re making sure that everyone knows that Geek is Tres Chic and never should anyone shudder away from being called a geek. Think you’re up for the challenge? I guess we’ll see…

    As for me, my ventures into the beautiful homes of Newport, Rhode Island definitely inspired me on many levels. That’s the great thing about History, there’s so much to be learned from it. Last year my Sista Sista took me to Mark Twain’s house in Hartford – double whammy – Book Worm meets History Geek = one happy Jennie B. Next year, I’m pushing for Salem. We’ll see. *here’s hopin*

  • September7th

    On an ever so un-eventful Saturday night I found myself watching Never Been Kissed on E!, when I was struck with immediate inspiration for a blog.  A scene in Mr. Coulson’s English Class is what triggered my pondering nature.  The lines “when we´re in disguise, we feel freer.  We do things we wouldn’t do in ordinary life.” are the ones that stood out to me.

    How so very true indeed, Mr. Coulson. Is there something about a disguise or a mask that just exudes freedom? What is it about “hiding” behind something that allows us to show a completely different side that normally stays hidden in itself?

    masquerade-mask

    You don’t always have to go into full-on disguise to get that feeling. Have you ever noticed that sometimes all you need is a little push..

    Think about that one shirt, pair of shoes, or the style of your hair, or maybe even that certain cologne that helps you tap into a part of you that may not show as often as others? The “never-fails” thing that gives you that little bit of courage, sex appeal, gusto, charisma, confidance, whatever..that just helps things swing in your favor? You know what I’m talking about. I know you do.

    Back in highschool my trigger item used to be black eyeliner. Thick, bold, black eyeliner. I tell you…it was something about it…when I put it on top and bottom lids…it was innevitably going to be a ca-razy night. My SS and I referred to it as me puttin on my bitch eyes. haha Oh Heavens, those were the days!  Now I couldn’t tell you what exactly it was about it, but I did indeed feel different when I lined my eyes in thick black, full top and full bottom. It was rather out of my character at that stage in life, now it seems like eyeliner is a regular thing, but rarely..rarely..do I go for the full top and bottom lines. (I’ll admit, when I do, I still get that spark inside..)

    Maybe I was secretly trying to channel my inner-Edie with my black eyeliner.

    Maybe I was secretly trying to channel my inner-Edie with my black eyeliner.

    Why must we put on a disguise or a mask to get that little spark inside? To make it okay to let it out and show another side. Have societal norms left us so entangled that a disguise is really the only way so as to not feel persecuted or judged for thinking outside our normal boxes? I get so caught up just thinking about it, I find my mind racing around in circles trying to figure out the answers.  But then again, that could be it as well….there is no one answer to all of these questions I’ve posed to you, reader.  And to be honest, that’s another added appeal of a disguise. Another hitch in the mystery of it all.

    And so, Mr. Coulson and your Shakespearean English Class, I guess Life really is a Stage. Good thing I’ve got a closet full of masks and a disguise or two to go with it all.  And of course, there’s always my black eyeliner.

    Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth. – Oscar Wilde

  • September2nd

    Do you watch tv? I bet you do. Do you ever watch the USA Network? I bet you do. If so, then you have more than likely seen the USA Character commercials. I bet you have.. (ok, couldn’t help but throw that in there) SO. Did you know there is a Web site out that for you to join and state your pledge along side 100’s of other Characters? Oh, but there is, there is indeed!

    That site is none other than: Characters Unite

    The mission is simple – the people over at USA Network are banning together with some of the nation’s leading non-profit organizations and working to build a better nation by doing the following:

    •  combating prejudice, intolerance, discrimination and hate

    •  promoting greater acceptance, understanding and mutual respect of ALL people

    So what do YOU need to do? Why, so nice of you to ask…

    First, go to the Web site, watch the Intro and then fill out your Pledge.

    • here’s a snap shot of my pledge •

    my usa character pledge edit

    Then, get comfortable and take a look around. Meet some more characters, read their pledges. We’re all on the same mission, we just might use different words.

    Make sure you check out the 50 Things You Can Do page. (And don’t be afraid to add a few of your own, that lil unique razzle dazzle of your’s!)

    Then what?! SHARE, SHARE, SHARE! Get the word out & keep it growing strong. This is such an awesome thing that is happening on this site.  With every person making a committment or pledging to work a little harder, miracles will start to happen a little more often than not.

    Thank you, USA Network, in your efforts and hard work to bring us characters across the nation together.  We will always belong, together with you. (And the fact that you give us Psych, Monk, Burn Notice, marathons of Law & Order SVU and NCSI, amongst many others doesn’t make you all that bad, either..)

    characters welcome

    USA Network