The Hit List - Old and Young

This week, I mozied on down to Jazz In the Park, a local event here in Milwaukee, to watch my son play with one of his bands, Tweed Funk. I’m a music fanatic (and a proud mama) so it was great watching my son kick out the jams with his crew.

My son is a pretty young guy but he’s been playing with groups from every genre and age group – including a recent stint with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. I love how he is able to collaborate with so many interesting people – and able to play such a diverse range of music! (He’s banging the drums with Tweed Funk in the photo above.)

I’ve been thinking a lot about younger people this week after watching this amazing video: Kids React To Racists Freaking Out About The Cheerios Commercial. This was in response to some racist idiots who posted so many nasty remarks on YouTube where the video was posted, that Cheerios had to disable the comments. Sad, eh? Well, these children in the video above give me hope for the human race. Sometimes children really are wiser than adults.

I’ve also been digging these two stories of elderly women in Wisconsin standing up to burglars with Tootsie Rolls – and banging out some mad rhythms on the drums (If anyone can identify this woman, my son might be out of a job! Ha!). There must be something in the water in Wisconsin because these spunky women are proving that aging doesn’t mean weak sauce!

Check this out: I love this photo series by Tom Hussey called “Reflections” – images of elderly people gazing into the mirror at their younger selves. This is AH-MAZING and it makes me wonder how I’ll be looking back at my younger years down the road.

Speaking of reflection, I was very moved by this post from Meg Worden: Everything I Know About Freedom, I Learned In Prison. Astonishingly good writing and thought-provoking. Please read it!

Other stuff:

I am in the market for a pair of short black motorcycle boots. I am in love with these suckas and may have to splurge – pronto. (PS I am a sucker for ANYTHING by Frye. It is one of my fave brands!)

I’m a Libra rising so stories on justice and injustice always interest me. These two movies are on my MUST watch list:

The Hunt http://www.magpictures.com/thehunt/ This Danish film is about a teacher who is unjustly accused of molesting a student and the witch hunt that follows. The trailer is INTENSE and I’ve heard this movie is excellent. Fingers crossed that it comes to my hood!

What I’m Reading:

The Declaration of You!: How to Find It, Own It and Shout It From the Rooftops by Jessica Swift and Michelle Ward. This book is a playful yet deep exploration of self discovery. The exercises are fun but don’t be fooled – it really does get your brain churning! I love the interviews with some of my faves such as Leonie Dawson and Alexandra Franzen (shout out to my homegirl!). Get this book for someone in need of some self reflection and deep care – or for yourself!

What I’m grateful for this week:

Great local restaurants

Margaritas

Project Runway!

Good advice

Erika Lyremark

Alone time

Industrial strength deodorant

Soundtrack for 7/20/13 – a little JayZ never hurt no one