~Under the Pisces Sign~

Half way through the month of February the zodiac signs change and the last of the 12 sun signs rule. As for all my fellow birthday party friends, I was the only Pisces. Not only was it the end of the Zodiac year, but also the end of the last 8 years for the ruling of Uranus. Now I don't exactly believe in all the Horoscope nonsense; but when I sometimes read about them and how my traits, and personality match up, you cant help but wonder how is this on point with how I am feeling?? See below.

Pisces: Uranus has a strong psychic effect on you from now through 2011. Your natural inclination to fantasize will lead you into deeper realms, from astral travel to shamanic journeys. Pisces writers, artists, and inventors among others benefit from bursts of creativity and development of the mind’s eye. Your ability to envision and intuit strengthens your innate gifts. As your inner world grows, changes in personality and outward appearance will also become evident. Your style and appearance attract attention, and over time it’s likely you will have entirely reinvented yourself.

Isn't that just incredible. Reinventing myself within the past few years. Well, yes... this was true. I was growing internally. As Valentines Day approached, the worst feeling was to be alone. At least that's what everyone portrays. I was feeling a little sad that I didn't have a Valentine exactly; but I still wasn't at a point with anyone in particular to share this holiday with. As the bouquets passed by my desk to go sit eloquently on the desk of the girls around me, it filled the office with an aroma quite lovely from the scents of rose, lilies, and daisies. Flowers are always so beautiful and uplifting, even though I didn't receive any for my desk that day I came home to a lovely surprise from my bestie, Alys. It was a bouquet of the most gorgeous flowers to help brighten my spirits. I was so happy to open them. It was something her and I did because of our long distance friendship. They were always little unexpected surprises, that put smiles on our faces in times of sadness. And I thank her for that.

The best gift I would've received on a day like that was from the US government. It was in a direct result to accomplishing for the first time ever my New Years Resolution -To get my Passport. I made this my resolution because I wanted to be open to the possibilities of the world to travel, learn new cultures, explore unknown lands. Yes you can say that I was inspired by Eat, Pray, Love but who wouldn't be? As I was growing and reinventing myself this was one less thing to hold me back from the possibilities of future travel.



Lotus Flower- Symbolizes something
beautiful & pure growing
from something dark & murky



Early in October my sister and I found a meaning to us that symbolized our strength together and it was the Lotus. We were supposed  to get matching tattoos but I will admit I am still a little nervous about getting my first tattoo. But To celebrate Valentines day and our growth to the light from the darkness we shared a sisterly love for Asian culture over a sushi date. It was quite and quaint but just what we needed to end the day was each other and some miso soup and a maki roll :)

Two days later my sister and I were so excited to see the 3Doors Down private show at 12 & Porter. They were filming an acoustic show for one their major sponsors. This was going to be my first performance to see them live. Which was really cool because it was such an intimate show. As they were setting up equipment, we gathered outside the tour buses hanging with my close and new friends, anxiously waiting to go inside from the cold weather.

The guys were always a blast and entertaining to be around. Our new thing that Judah started was this camera for Retro pictures on our phones. Troy and & Jen put our reserved seating notes out in front to hold our spots for the show. She was always the sweetest. I remember not long before hanging out at her and Brad's house with the guys and how down to earth they both were. Brad is such a southern Mississippi boy. We had devoured some Famous Dave's BBQ (Brad's local fave) and Jen made me feel so welcomed we bonded as the only 2 girls in the house, so I was excited to see her again. The show turned out amazing! They played a sneak acoustic preview of songs from the new upcoming album. This made my anticipation for the release even higher. They also played some of their biggest hits that night, I couldn't believe that this was the first time seeing them ... it was crazy but a great group of people. It was truly an awesome experience and added a another check on my bucket list.

New Year * New Life

Where do I begin? that was just the thing...I woke up to a new day, a new beginning, a new opportunity for a new life. But the first thing to do was get some breakfast and get my car from the night before. LOL...The month of January seemed to fly by so fast. I spent my first weekend of the year in LA visiting friends. I went to see Julie (Trae's brother's girlfriend). I stayed with her while I was out there. It was quite the girls weekend.

We played around Sunset Blvd and Hollywood most of the first day. I got to meet Jennifer in LA while she was in town looking at new places to live and for her interview. That evening we picked up London and chilled at home, because I was so tired from traveling. The next day we took London to dance class and I got to see her practice, she was so cute. Afterwards we went out to Manhattan beach for Lunch and I visited with friends that evening before my early flight the next morning. It was a short little trip but I was glad to get away.

I met some great people that month. I was getting to know Todd a little better, because he was in town most of the month while 3DoorsDown finished up their new album that was going to be released in April. My "tripod" was always out and about, we were going to Pred's games every week, hitting the local bars, checking out new artists. It was definitely a busy month for me. One of the first Pred's game of the month we all went out afterwards; Andrew took me to Broadway Brewhouse for my first bushwhacker. These were absolutely delicious! If wasn't like 30 degrees outside I would've had more than one. I like to call them adult frosties.



Click his name for inquiries



I also attended one of my first Alan Scott trunk shows that month. It was in Franklin at Battle Ground Brewery. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. But the girls and I met Andrew and Paige there. I knew that this designer created leather goods for celebrities, but I didn't know if I was going to like it and I most definitely did.  I bought a cuff- made with 12-gage shotgun shells and I was in love with the first clutch he designed for his assistant. The skull was made from stingray leather. She sold this to me that night because I was so infatuated with it.

The following week, I went out with my sister to dinner and met up with Andrew later. He introduced to Chris Nathan. We went to see his show at 12&Porter. I loved his music, it was awesome. Something I hadn't heard around Nashville yet. Andrew and I invited J and Chris out the next night to a private place we had been steadily attending on Saturday nights now. Chris ended up not going because it wasn't his thing. So J, Brit, Andrew, Brandon, and I all went for a chill night of drinks. The place was a little slow that night, but I remember having a good time anyways. I remember sitting there looking at the people along the bar and someone striking my interest. I told Andrew what I was thinking because he knew who he was, to let it be known to him I was interested but, unavailable at the moment. It was pretty funny the reaction that I saw. So I said "Hello..Im sure I will be seeing you around soon" and went on my way. We left to go to Rebar for some bushwhackers and the chill night turned into of course a long night once again.

The taco truck was conveniently parked outside the bar, just waiting for us to walk up and order ridiculous amounts of unhealthy food.... but that good when your drunk kinda food, you know the kind you regret the next morning. I believe that same week I met a dear friend to me Amy, through Andrew. She was the sweetest person. I remember her just being so kind and gentle to feelings. Little did I know how our friendship would blossom from that night out. The 2nd to last weekend was approaching. I knew I would be out on the town both Friday and Saturday night for Heather's birthday. That Friday was spent as the usual, dinner at Urban Flats, drinks at Whiskey, drinks at Citizen, then on to midtown for Rebar late night action with Brit, Andrew, Troy and Brandon. This was beginning to become quite the regular. The next morning after crashing out at Werthan because once again we couldn't drive home. We grabbed breakfast at this pancake place close to home called The Pfunky Griddle. It was so cute and I heard so much about it. It was so cool, how you made your own food on the grill at the table. So Troy, Brit and I checked it out. And it was pretty delish! I def recommend it.

Well, not long after recuperating that day it was that time again to get dressed to go out only this time it was for the Epic birthday celebration for Heather. The events started with 20 people at dinner at Goten<--- NEVER EAT HERE!! the worst service ever! It wasn't long until our belly's were full that we were headed to the Honky Tonks on Broadway. We started out at Tootsies, and come to find out my parents and family were out partying themselves next door. So they came with us for part of the night.

The night was full of joy, excitement, alcohol, and of course laughs, whether it was about people watching in the bar or just laughing at the though of us singing at the top of our lungs "dixieland delight," but it was so much fun! This was the first night my parents were introduced to Andrew. They knew we had been going out a lot together lately but it wasn't anything along the lines of dating, although that night him and I were reading into the fact that they secretly wished it was LOL.

That night I had on my right hand a ring that resembled an engagement ring. So being typical Andrew and I.....we decided to play a joke on my parents. In the middle of the upstairs bar at Tootsies, he got down on one knee and proposed. LMAO it was the funniest thing to see my Mom jump up with confusion and excitement all at once. Not to mention the whole Bar giving Andrew high-fives. So we played it off for a little bit for free drinks, but my Mom quickly came to the realization that it was just a joke. LOL. When we left Tootsies my parents parted ways, and we headed to Element a brief club that was open on 2nd, for a little dance action. The night was almost over but not for my tripod+Brit.

We headed to Carl's for my late night/ early morning "Tiffany's" breakfast. I put my intoxicated skills to work. LOL. We ended up with sausage, eggs, pancakes, and a box of Cheezits to snack on. I must say everyone was quite pleased and approved! It was definitely a night to remember.

The last weekend of January was spent at the usual places...i.e. Citizen, Mai etc...I took a new friend out with me that night her name was Joey. while we were out I remember I ran into the guy that captured my attention from across the bar the last time I was there. He questioned me as to why I wouldn't give him my number, I simply said "I'm not looking to date anyone" he responded "well maybe you will think differently after letting me take you to dinner." So I agreed, and gave it to him. We went to dinner at the Acorn a few nights later. I was kinda nervous, but he was so sweet. He opened the doors for me, helped with my coat...etc..it was so gentlemen like and I was thoroughly impressed. Conversation was delightful and respectable. I definitely knew I wanted to see him again. So with Super Bowl Sunday coming up "the Dr." and I made plans to get together with friends. The month of January was a month to remember, but my year was only getting started, and I had 11 more months to go.
.:XOXO TMARIE:.

Deleting 2010

I couldn't believe how fast the year had come and gone, as well as all the traveling and life changing moments I had experienced along the way. My buck list had a few things checked complete, but still left many more things to conquer in my future. Although this was the end of the year it was symbolizing a new beginning, as it does for everyone, but for me in particular.

"What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from." - T.S. Elliot

This was something so true. I was wasn't sure what was in store for my new beginning, but I was starting from an end, whether it be the end of the year or the end of my relationship. All things must come to an end and I was ready to close the door on some of the most unforgettable moments in my life and also some I wouldn't prefer to remember. The weekend started with me running around finishing up helping a friend decorate the Berger building for the NYE party that was being thrown there. When Alys arrived I was still preparing for the party. This was such a crazy day. I went home to start getting ready, waiting on the girls to get home.

 The before party was at Todd's condo at Werthan. I had been hanging out here for around month now but hadn't met Todd yet until this night. Once we arrived, the drinks and joyful laughter were surrounded by us. We only stayed a short while because we had to make an appearance at the Berger party before meeting back up with everyone a from Todd's at the Hardrock for their show. Troy loaded us up in his truck to drop us off so we didn't have to drive. He was always so wonderful with taking care of us. It meant alot to me.  The casino party at the Berger/ Standard was so fun. We met up with Erin for a little bit, danced, greeted my friends that purchased tickets from me and decided to head down to the Hardrock to meet up with Troy and everyone. We couldn't catch a cab quick enough from where we were, so was started walking down Commerce towards 2nd ave. The wind was so strong that night. It was predicted that a storm was going to blow through. I remember feeling as if I was going to be knocked over!! We walked a block and grabbed a cab to take us maybe 3 blocks because of traffic. So we hopped out on 3rd Ave and walked the rest of the way. Troy was waiting on us with our VIP passes. And it was drinking time, we felt like we needed to catch up to everyone before the big moment of the night. Todd was playing in his other band 7DayBinge that night which is why we all partied there and watched the Nashville Guitar Drop above the massive crowd down below on Broadway.

I remember the last few moments of that year so perfectly. I remember being so lost in the mix of memories and emotions flashing before my eyes and looking around in daze, in my own little world realizing that this was my reality and all the while dreaming and wanting to be somewhere else. I remember the New Years before and the joking around that Trae and I said that this time the following year I wasnt spending this New Years as his girlfriend....although I didn't literally think that was going to happen, I was hoping actually for quite the opposite. Its crazy how things in your subconscious sometimes come true at some point it, as if you draw these things to you out of the universe. I remember toasting to the goodbyes of 2010 and welcoming the New Year and all the possibilities I was willing to see with open eyes and open arms. The toast was inspirational and bittersweet. I was so lucky to have friends and family with me those last few moments. I had come so far that cold month of December and I wasnt looking back once the clock struck midnight.10...9...8....7....6...5...4...3...2....1.....HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!                      All around me the excitement level was at its highest....loads of cheers and laughter and sweet kisses. It was kinda depressing, but I didnt let it get me down. With in seconds of ringing in the new year it became a down pour on Broadway. It was as if the weather held out long enough for passionate new years kisses under the falling rain for those below. Once all the NYE hype had slowed down it was time for shots and a little Rock-n-Roll. Our party was just getting started, and it continued through night and early into the morning as the bottom of the sky continued to fall, as if it was washing away all things of 2010. 7DayBinge killed it on stage that night. The rest of the night became a blur as  most of them did. I just remember Troy picking us up at the Hardrock and heading to Cafe Coco which I am sure we spent hours trying to eat. The night was long but I was happy that it was over. Thank you to the ones I spent that evening with....Troy, Alys, Britt, Todd, Darrell, Erin, Lindsey, etc you know who you are....It was a great NYE!

.:XOXO TMARIE:.