This Mom's Quest to 'Roo the Day

On a midnight drive home after a September concert, I was completely sure about one thing. "We're going."

"Where?" my husband Ryan asked.

"To Bonnaroo. We're going to Bonnaroo."

And from that moment, we were in. It wasn't hard to convince my friend Gemi to go along, plans were made, and eventually, bags were packed -- a lot of 'em.

'Tis Better to Show Your Tush (Lessons Learned from a First Time 'Rooer)

Hindsight is 20/20, right? But as I stood on the shoulder of the interstate, unable to see where my friends had driven at least 10 miles ahead of me, there was no hindsight. There was no end in sight.

Let me back up a little… (which is what I wished they could've done).

We finally arrive in the famous line that begins about 17 miles outside the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival gate. If you've ever driven by it on I-24, you know what I'm talking about. Cars line up on the shoulder for an incredibly slow-moving experience. People get out and wander between cars. If a bathroom break is required, you just head off into the woods. Or so I thought.

My Brother Was Right. Who Would've Thought?

I spent last weekend (June 9-12) at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee. Those who follow me on Facebook, you already know this. I've posted of nothing else for the past several weeks. Actually, since we bought our tickets on Black Friday (yes, in November) I've been mentioning it for the past six months. You're sick of hearing about it, and I'm okay with that. But the next few posts will be about my experience, and I hope my odd twist on things will hold your interest.

My younger brother Brack is the reason this all started. He went to Bonnaroo last year. And Lollapalooza, Voodoo Fest, Nocturnal Fest, and a host of other festivals I can't remember. Bonnaroo was his favorite, though, and he talked about it nonstop. Sound familiar? It took three months for my husband and me to decide to go (you'll read about that later this week) but once we were "in," Brack became the expert. Annoyingly so. I'll be the first to admit that some of his advice was a little out there, but once we made it to the farm, I realized he was right. About (almost) everything. Which was even more annoying.

This Week's Creative Champs

Who doesn't love a great, FRESH new idea? Creativity is defined as the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules... and to create meaningful new ideas, products, etc.


(As always, thank you dictionary.com)


So here are a few things I've come across this week that blow my creative mind.  You're welcome.

The House of Mirth by Elizabeth Wharton


Published in the early 1900s, the novel details the trials of Miss Lily Bart as she struggles to maintain her place in the aristocratic New York society in which she's been raised.  Since it follows a truly naturalistic notion, you can probably predict how it ends.  


But what's truly unique about this book is how the author creates the sense that there is no other option.  I found myself wishing that Lily would kill herself and put both of us out of our misery.  Now let's be clear -- I am in no way supporting suicide, only applauding the conclusive means to which Wharton builds both her main character and plot.  

Girl Talk


Ahhh... Girl Talk.  The lovely board game of truth or dare I remember from my youth.  Oh wait, that's not right.  Girl Talk is this fabulous artist I've discovered thanks to my brother Brack and the 2011 Bonnaroo line-up!  Runners, are you looking for something to spice up your iPod? Girl Talk!!!  Cheerleaders everywhere, there's no need to hire someone to mash-up your favorite tunes! Girl Talk!!! 


You've got to experience what Gregg Gillis calls his "pop collages" to get the full effect.  Mixing in a little Ludacris and 'Jesse's Girl' melody... C'mon!  What's not to love?

(I guess here is where I say some kind of disclaimer about explicit lyrics and such)

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

And the best part?  The artist allows you to download his album FREE by visiting his label's web site.  


Girl Talk is definitely on my must-see list for Bonnaroo!

Barbie & Ken's Social Media Escapades 


That's right.  Barbie & Ken have (separate) Facebook pages & Twitter accounts, and were involved in a pretty publicized Valentine's Day reunion this past week.  Seriously.  Read all about it on All Doll'd Up -- Barbie's blog, of course!


That's darn creative publicity -- and if passing the 1-million-fan-mark is any indication of success, Barbie can add advertising exec to her list of careers (unless she's already done that.  Really, who can keep track?)


Now let's just hope Ken isn't tagged in any compromising photos -- because we all know he went a little wild during this last breakup.