Nasty emails and a resolve to be kind

I recently received an email that reduced me to tears. I'm not one to take things others say too personally, but after a lot of blood, sweat and tears — as well as a whole lot of self-doubt — I don't take it very well when I get a very condescending, nasty email.

I won't get in to what it said. Because it doesn't matter. Receiving nasty emails like this is nothing new for my line of work, but this one gave me a new resolve: For every nasty email I receive I will give a happy, positive, uplifting comment or compliment to a perfect stranger either through person, email or mail.

And that's that.

Always,

Texas Trip

While we were in Texas for Allison's wedding we figured we'd continue our road trip to Houston to visit family. First on our agenda, was hanging with my cousin, Kourtney and her husband and our friend, Alden. While Kourtney was at school we ate lunch with Alden and then took a tour of Alden's dental school. It was fun to see all the fancy, high tech stuff Alden gets to work on for the next few years in preparation to become a dentist.

We left Alden for a bit and headed to Nathaniel's aunt's house. I've never met this portion of Nathaniel's family and he hasn't seen them himself for a good, long time. It was good to catch up even though storms were raging on our way there — so much so streets were starting to flood.

Nathaniel with his family!

Allison + Diego

My sweet friend and former college roommate Allison married her honey, Diego, in Palestine, Texas, on April 26 and we were able to go and help her celebrate. The grounds were beautiful, the ceremony was sincere, the bride was gorgeous, the couple happy and the party filled with laughter and dancing — a great time for everyone!

Congrats you two, love you both!

The beautiful ceremony site at Elmwood Gardens.

Portrait Couture by BRC Photography

One of the perks of my job is getting to do fun stuff. Usually it's a trip to the opera for free or some other free admissions to an event or show — recently I was able to do something even more special. I wrote a story on my dear friend Benita, a fabulous Oklahoma glamour photographer. She's launched a new photography line she calls "Portrait Couture," a mix between boudoir and glamour photography. Benita wanted me to have the "full photo experience" before I wrote my story. I spent an entire day with Benita as she did my hair, my makeup and took some rather fabulous photographs, if I do say so myself.

After the shoot, I walked away feeling beautiful and uplifted. I can definitely say since then I have been walking with my head a little taller. Thanks, Benita, for the big self-esteem boost! You helped me remember my inner and outer beauty — truly, you have a wonderful gift from God!

If you live in the Oklahoma City area, check Benita out. She wants to make every woman feel beautiful!

See more of her photos of me and read her blog post about our shoot here. Read my story on Benita here. 

Always,

Girl's Night: Henna Tattoos

Girl's night this month we tracked down a henna artist and had a henna party! We chowed down on treats, turned on the music and had a relaxing evening visiting and receiving henna tattoos. Our artist was adorable and easy to work with — we only paid for gas and each of us paid for our own tattoo, which ranged between $5-15. It's a great deal and such a blast! If you're interested in hosting a henna tattoo party in Oklahoma, check her out here.

Having my design done. She was speedy!

N-town Has Arrived

N-town has arrived! Check out what I've been working on here or here.

Always,

My Job is Weird

Just another day in the newsroom:

A tiny monkey in a costume,...

a ferret,...

Hope: A Miscarriage

Note: I recognize this is a topic that makes many people uncomfortable, and for whatever reason, people don't like talking about miscarriages openly. But because I know I am not the only one to endure such an experience and I have always maintained frank, honest openness about my life — I figured this shouldn't be an off-limits topic.

When I found out I was pregnant in Jan. 2013, I was shocked. I got pregnant almost immediately and it wasn't the result I was expecting. Save for some extreme tiredness, I felt like my pregnancy was progressing quite well. As every week passed, I eagerly read up on the progress of my baby and eagerly anticipated the day I would embrace my baby in my very own arms.

To say I was smitten would be an understatement. I was absolutely in love. I have dreamed my entire life of being a mother, and could hardly believe it was finally happening.

To say the least, when I started spotting on Feb. 15, at 9 weeks pregnant I felt blindsided. I yelled Nathaniel's name and instantly started crying and praying. I was terrified.

A Project: N-town

For the past few months I've been working on a project at work. I'm the editor of our arts and entertainment section, a weekly 12-page section called "etc." We're beefing things up now, though, switching to a monthly, full-color, 32-page arts and entertainment section called "N-town." Everything is going to be better on the new section — improved design, content, etc. I am so excited!

It's been crunch time these last two weeks with our first section coming out April 12. It's been both a lot of work, but I've been so excited there's been several nights I could hardly sleep.

I'm excited about all of the stories we have coming on April 12, but I'm especially tickled for my first column, complete with my own headshot and signature — I feel so official!

Rough draft of my column with filler text.

To follow what's happening with my new section, like N-town on Facebook or follow on Twitter or Instagram.

Always,