{Celebration of Life}



Manuel and I

 "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years" - Abe Lincoln

Another year older and another year wiser. I was truly excited about what the weekend had in store. It was the celebration of many lives. Michelle arrived Friday afternoon for the weekend of festivities. It was her first time ever visiting me here. I had a great weekend planned. We had two tickets to the Sweethearts for Scholarships Gala that evening. This was the 8th annual "black tie" banquet and charity auction to raise money to support scholarships initiatives at Nashville State Community College. The event was located downtown and hosted at the new prestigious Hutton Hotel for the evening.

There were local celebrities, such as Manuel, one of Nashville's favorite, silent auctions and of course the Sweetheart couple nominated for this years event who preformed after dinner. After the event we met up with Andrew to show Michelle around Nashville. Our first stop was Citizen, that was where "the Dr." and other friends were going after the Gala, and he wanted us to meet him there. The evening was quite interesting, opinions were formed on certain situations and from the actions of people that were around me. I wasn't really aware until I got home, although this was only opinions, I still had to make my own decisions on how I wanted things to happen. If the pursuit was still worth it, what would I do?

The next day was recovery and relaxation before the big party. My little brother came to visit and stay with us that day. We sat around pretty much all day watching movies. The weather that day was quite nice out surprisingly for February. Planning for this night took months. Our guest list was around 150+ of friends from all the birthday babies. Doug reserves us the VIP upstairs room at MAI that night. They were also hosting the i106 Bitterball that night for Valentines Day.  So I remember running around getting ready and trying to decide how the drive was gonna go. Michelle had an idea about getting a limo to take everyone.

So I called and Andrew and he gave me Matt's number to book one. This was a great birthday present from Michelle that night, it worked out for us nicely, because my little brother was able to go to dinner with us. We met everyone at Todd's before dinner where the limo picked us up. There was about 20 of my closest friends that had dinner with us at Urban Flats. I was really happy my little brother could come hangout. The vibes of the table were quite amazing, it was filled with excitement, giggles, love and true appreciation of friendship as we toasted to the birthdays, and enjoyed our drinks over delicious flat breads of our choice. After dinner we finished it off with a cake and candles. When I think back and remember watching the smoke of the candles fade, just looking around at everyone engaged in conversation with glowing smiles of joy, I felt truly blessed to be seated around all of my friends that night. After a wonderful dinner it was time to get the party started, we loaded up the limo and headed to MAI.

.:Party Photos by Carl Gillespie:.

It was quite the disaster when we
 got there. Everything was so disorganized and on top of it all Doug was at home sick. They had booked a frat party before the club opened that night, and were having trouble making them leave to reopen. My argument to them for not letting us in, was that we had a time booked and it was a separate private party, but they made us wait outside. I was NOT happy at all with this. Another issue once we were able to get inside around 11ish was that, we had agreed upon our guest list as no cover that night (which is why went through the trouble of putting it in alpha order with full names) but we were told when we got there that they had to be in by 12 or they had to pay cover. This was unacceptable!! Jake had guests from Urban Flats that were attending when they got off, etc...there were quite a few people coming in after 12 because of prior obligations.

I was so pissed, that we ended up getting it back to the way it was supposed to be but paying the price of running up and down to verify names, because the doors girls apparently didn't know how to read. I was tired of battling with them and wasn't enjoying the night anymore, so around 12 I gave up and headed upstairs. From that point it was all shots, I needed to catch up to everyone. At the end of it all it was great night. I had so much fun and spent time with close friends that I only see every once in a while. The next year of my life was definitely going to be something to celebrate!!

.:XOXO TMARIE:.

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:.

*Time for Thanks*

It was Halloween one of my favorite Holidays. Because of my sadness, I chose to keep it low key with my closest friends. We all dressed up and everyone came over to hang out for a little bit before going south to Cool Springs for a little bar hopping. My costume was only appropriate for that time in my life. Lady Luck I was! So Lady Luck was what I dressed up to be.

It was a lot of fun that night but also a constant reminder of my new single life. Seeing my friends coupled up as I was standing alone was a little hard to take, but I was happy for all of them. I had my sister she was becoming my other half.

We definitely began to reconnect even closer as the days went on. The month of November came and went so fast like a shot of tequila on a cold night. I rebuilt my relationships with my girls, I was very thankful to have them in my life to help me in my moments of weakness. There were countless nights of sushi and wine, and simple girl talk dinners.

My regular stomping grounds were usually in the Gulch.

That month on a cold night, we celebrated the birthday of a great friend to me Ben. Jake & Ben were always so great to have around. They kept my spirits high, and I'm not only talking about my soul, but also the drug that helped me through this time.

They had been there from day 1 of Trae and I and saw the whole relationship through the end. His birthday was a night I was looking forward to. It was my turn to give him a cake, as he did for me for my 23rd Bday at LOT7. The joke between Jake and I was a transformers cake. So that's what I got. Dinner was at Urban Flats and then we chased shots around the Gulch and down to MAI. For some reason we decided it would be a good idea to walk all the way back to Urban Flats in 30 degree weather to make some food. If anyone knows me, I practically run when I walk. Well my sister wasn't quite as coordinated as I by the end of the night. As we walked by Sweet CeCe's, I was already across the street. I heard in the near distance "MAN DOWN"  and as Ben & I turn to see what Jake is laughing so hard about, was Brit popping right back up like nothing happened and taking her shoes off for the rest of the walk.

We were hysterically laughing, to the point of tears. This became the biggest inside joke between us all. If you ever go out with Jake - "Make sure your wear a helmet" Lmao Britt earned her nickname that night "Helmet". It was so much fun. I was truly happy that night. I was beginning to see the things I really needed in my life and the people I wanted to surround myself with. Friends that could help me forget my pain. I was so very thankful for my sister and my family who supported my decisions no matter how crazy they were, or how emotionally unhealthy they could've been. They wanted me to be happy. The next thing I knew, it was Thanksgiving and I was packing for my trip.

.:XOXO TMARIE:.

New Year New Decade

As I enter a new decade of my life....I reflect on the past one.....and look forward to the new chapter I have just begun....may 2010 bring us happiness! Every New Years Eve we get together to celebrate the past year  and toast to the hope of a successful new one. This NYE was spent in Atlanta with close family and friends. It was a short lived trip, but a pretty amazing night. I still remember the countdown, the toast, the kiss, and the words "I love you" at the stroke of midnight...and in that moment we entered a new decade. How was this new period of time going to play out we had NO idea. I was so happy in that moment, so surreal my life was, almost as if I were dreaming and needed to wake up.

That following January we got hit with big snow storm. It was the largest one Tennessee has seen in a long time. I was out of work for a few days waiting on the ice to melt.  I must say this though, it was nice to be

locked up at home with my two favorite men. This was Bentley's first snow, and he loved it!! I was getting ready for a year a travel...In store for Feb was two more trips to Atlanta, one for my birthday party and another for shoe modeling.

The Birthday party was something that I had planned as a surprise for my sister and my best friend Chris...both had wanted to do something fun and different...so I made arrangements to spend the weekend in Atlanta. I booked all the hotel rooms and the VIP table for the party. I surprised them both with actually being there for the weekend. Both thought I had made other plans. Chris was so funny and depressed that Tamara or myself didn't plan anything big for our 25th bday and she was taking him out of town away from his friends for the weekend, and as for my sister she was just bummed that I wasn't able to come to her party...both surprises turned out perfect. I was able to get there before them and decorate their rooms and record the surprise!!

 Later that evening we went out on the town and celebrated....I was so happy that my plan worked but really sad that my girlfriends didn't come, but all in all I had the most important people there.

That following weekend I was back in Atlanta for the shoe show...I didn't get to spend a lot of time with my local friends the weekend before but this weekend was dedicated to shoes and Alexis. Her and I had became really close friends over the past year and half. I always enjoy my weekends modeling shoes...what women wouldn't??? I mean you walk in this amazingly large convention room full of shoes that are all your size!! Well you can say 3 days of SHOE Heaven....I love everyone I work with too, Sofft Shoes are simply amazing...every February its a tradition to go to dinner for my birthday after the show...this year it was Cheesecake Factory... yummmm one of my faves...The next day at work I got about 15 pairs of shoes as a birthday present as well to take home from that lovely trip. Lets just say it was an amazing weekend!! Once I got home my birthday was only a few days away. I planned an evening out to dinner with my friends in Nashville. A small select few of us went. My choice was Urban Flats it is absolutely one of my favorite places to eat in Nashville. The food is amazing and the price is right! I enjoyed the company of friends and family over wine and flats.

I spent the last weekend of my birthday month devoted to my baby sister. She met me work with the cutest birthday card ever! We hit the road to Memphis, it was her first time there. She was excited! I was taking her gambling for the first time.We got in late that night around 9 pm. I told her we had to change quickly and get down to the tables...LOL I was ready to make some money! I had a little bit of free play to get us started...But the best news was running into my friends that are always there.We ended up doing pretty well that night...She couldn't believe how lucky we were and how much fun playing blackjack was. The next day I had plans for us to go to a concert to see Eric Clapton. It was such a fun night listening to the music of a legend! I was so happy to see this in my lifetime...another check off my bucklist.

 On our last morning there, we woke up early and explored Memphis, had world famous BBQ on Beale Street, we also got to see the Peabody Ducks walk down the red carpet...It was one of the most beautiful days ever. The ride home was amazing and Britt was excited to be coming home with cash in her pocket!  But I was more excited about my future plans in March just a couple weeks away to scratch off my buck list!!