{good thing} Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?

"The world is so rich, simply throbbing with splendid treasures, beautiful souls, and interesting people."

                                                                                               -Henry Miller

Have you ever played that game where you name 10 people you would invite to your “ideal” dinner party?  It’s fun to think about from time to time and it seems like my answers change depending on what kind of mood I am in that day, which is fine, the more the merrier!  I like to add a few rules to this game… First, the people have to be alive (thinking about them being deceased kind of puts a damper on things).  And second, there has to be a mix of men and women (a good balance makes for great conversation).   So the awards for the invite to the Mesa & Friends Dinner Party party go to… (open envelope)

1

 My husband Eric

   He is my best friend & a great conversationalist.  There is no one else I would rather share the night with!

2.  Matt Damon

   Jason Bourne, come on, who wouldn’t want this guy at the table?  He is such a talented actor & seems like a genuine, kind spirit who values family immensely.  I would love to know more about his films and his upcoming roles!

3

Willem Dafoe

Kind of a weird choice I know, but I’m sure he would have some extremely interesting things to say and would make a great guest.

 4.  Elizabeth Gilbert

  This is the author of such novels as “Committed”, “The Last American Man”, and my favorite, “Eat, Pray, Love.”  I just love how she beautifully weaves her words into such an intriguing tapestry of a story.  Her way with words is amazing and hearing her read them is even more enjoyable.  I think she would be a wonderful conversationalist and bring tons of inspiring stories and laughable nuggets of humor to the table.

5 

 Julia Roberts

   Her smile is so engaging and her eyes always say what words do not have to.  I love her personality and her laugh is catching.  Her movies are amazing and I always look forward to seeing her next character.

6

Victor Garber

    There is just such a likeable quality to this guy.  He reminds me of my dad, so maybe that’s why… He exudes integrity, is eloquent with his words, and seems like a fun guy to be around.   

7. Jennifer Garner

    No, not because she was in Alias with Victor Garber, but because she seems like such a down to earth, truly happy person, and seems like a totally normal gal (which is amazing, being that she grew up in West Virginia…j/k).  She has a bubbly personality and seems like she could be a sister to anyone.

    

8. Chris Martin

      Ok, his voice alone is reason enough… He is an amazing musician with a cool vibe who could sing no wrong in my book.  Hearing his voice and music always puts me in a good mood.  He could provide the music for the evening and write a song about the night!

9 Rose Byrne

     I love this actress!! She has an aire of mystique about her that is so intriguing in her movie roles. 

 10. TIE! Kate Winslet/ Cameron Diaz

      I would have to set an emergency place setting… These ladies are both fantastic women!  Kate Winslet has such a graceful & beautiful demeanor.  I would love to chat with her about life and hear stories from “Titanic” and “The Holiday.”  As for Cameron Diaz, she is a sassy lady who seems like she would be at ease anywhere.  She cracks me up with her comedic talent & seems like a fun person to be around!

So there you have it, my “ideal” dinner party.  As you can see, most of them are entertainment related, which is due to the fact that I am an enormous movie fan! :-)  If you ever find yourself with a spare thought one day, you should make a guest list.  It’s silly, fun, and puts you in a good mood!  Who would you invite to dinner?

{good thing} New Kicks on the Block

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the one who'll decide where to go.”    - Dr. Seuss

   There is just something so inspiring about a new pair of running shoes! They put a pep in the step and fun in a run!  Working out becomes fresh and exciting again with new shoes.  They make me feel like I can run a few extra miles, do a couple more squats, and “crunch a bunch” more sit-ups.  With new shoes, a new playlist for the ipod is in order.  These are some great tunes to move to:

S & M –Rihanna

Poker Face-  Lady Gaga

Imma Be- The Black Eyed Peas

Hey Baby- Pitbull

Loca- Shakira

Thunderstruck- AC/DC

Broken- UNKLE

Freakshow- Britney Spears

Calabria 2007- Enur

Ricochet- Shiny Toy Guns

Paint it Black- The Rolling Stones

Hung Up- Madonna

Supermassive Black Hole- Muse

Fergalicious- Fergie

Hayloft- Mother Mother

Pick your kicks & get moving! 

Gratefully,

    Mesa

{gratitude} It's Raining, It's Pouring, Our Two Pugs Are Snoring

"There ain't no way to find out why a snorer can't hear himself snore." - Mark Twain

   What kinds of sounds do you find relaxing?  The shooshing of waves on a deserted beach, wind chimes gently chiming in the breeze, crickets chirping on a hot summer night?  What sound do I find comforting and relaxing??  Puppy snores… specifically pug snores.  Granted my husband & I have to sleep on a separate level of the house because of the volume of these snores, but while napping on the couch or working on the computer, there is just nothing quite like hearing the little motor boat noises ascending from our little flat faced pooches.  It is a noise that has become soothingly familiar and resonates the feeling  of being home, no matter where we are at the moment and for that I am truly grateful.

Gratefully,

     Mesa