Grow By Love

It's Madonna for Free

2009-09-02T09:25:00.003-04:00

Get Madonna's new video "Celebration" for FREE on itunes...TODAY ONLY! Go on now and get to it.

Imogen is Back on Track

2009-08-28T13:53:00.003-04:00

First Train Home Video. Welcome back Imogen...I've missed you.

Imogen is Back

2009-07-16T15:43:00.005-04:00

First song off Imogen Heap's new album....Ellipse. She's dreamy.

Rhythm Turner: Hate Crime Survivor

2009-05-28T12:47:00.015-04:00

Female musical student Rhythm Turner is a survivor of a hate crime. Just two weeks ago after a performance Rhythm and her girlfriend were approached by a homophobic man outside the venue. The offender made homophobic comments to the women and followed up with several punches to Rhythm's face. Listen to Rhythm's story and share your support with a simple comment of encouragement or a paypal donation to help her receive reconstructive surgery to repair her facial fractures and broken nose.

Tops and Bottoms of PB&J

2009-05-21T12:36:00.006-04:00

I can't stop this strange craving for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Maybe it's the economy or perhaps it is my way of feeling more youthful. (I did pluck a handful of white hairs from my head last week.) There is something so satisfying about the simplicity of making a PB&J. Of course there are a few rules to making one...

1. No dipping a peanut buttery knife into the jelly jar.
2. The ratio of jelly to peanut butter is 2 to 3.
3. (Most important rule) It's gotta be jelly on top and peanut butter on the bottom.

There is no disputing it. Do the above between two slices of cold Pepperidge Farm's Oatmeal bread and you will have heaven in your hands.

Free Dog Food for Unemployed Owners

2009-04-20T12:51:00.004-04:00

Dogswell is giving away one free bag of dog food to unemployed pet owners (to the first 10,000) from April 15 to May 15. Pretty nice gesture. Go HERE for free dog grub.

Thanks to my pet-luv-in friend, Summer who makes this coolness.

What's not to love about these Horses?

2009-04-16T12:37:00.004-04:00

whoa, camera man...

Mission Egg Hunt Complete

2009-04-15T06:46:00.000-04:00

The local gay parents group had an Eater event at Delaney Park last weekend. Bounce House + Chocolate = Happy Kid.

I had my fair share of Mango and Blueberry from Rita's Italian Ice and got to hug some of my yummy Latin friends. Then, we enjoyed watching Bean make a mad dash for plastic eggs. Someone should have told her that I had candy at home, no need to run. Some parents were helping their kids find the eggs. Did I miss the part about a golden ticket?

Simply An Horse

2009-04-13T12:21:00.005-04:00

Enjoyed the performance of An Horse this weekend. I have been looking forward to seeing them live. Very gracious people those horses. There is nothing I like more than music and kind people.

I felt a bit old in the crowd. I was surrounded by conversation starters like....."So, what school do you go to?"......."I totally can play a G, D, and C minor. That is all you really need." Perhaps I was to blame for my own feelings of ancestry because I was hoping to be home by 10pm to hide Easter eggs for my daughter. You decide.

Locals, The Pauses opened and caught my interest. I will be on the lookout.

A Pointy Out Vagina

2009-03-30T17:14:00.003-04:00

It has been far too long since I have posted. My handful of friends who read this blog have been up my arse yes, I wrote "arse". Life is busy. Really busy. Like did I brush my teeth this morning busy. I will get back to this...and all the other things that have been on the back burner shortly...well, at least I intend to do so. For now...take this....last weekend Bean said," I know boys have different private parts than girls." I said, "Really? What are they called?" Bean responded with, "a pointy out vagina."

Are You Watching Now?

2009-03-05T13:47:00.001-05:00

Watch Live here...California Supreme Court Oral Arguments on Prop 8- Same Sex Marriage.

Prop 8: Tonight California Will Shine

2009-03-04T17:20:00.005-05:00

You should be able to see California from the moon tonight. Just look for the bright light. It will be coming from the people of California who either love someone, want to love someone, or support the love that two people share. I am with you in spirit my friends out west.

Join the Eve Of Justice candle light vigils. Come together and show your support against Prop 8.

Watch the Prop 8 coverage here.

Waiting for Imogen Heap

2009-02-25T15:41:00.006-05:00

It might be unhealthy to be this anxious for Imogen Heap's new album. waiting...waiting.... Here is a taste of what's to come...wait it out

Wake up! You're on Duty.

2009-02-20T12:07:00.005-05:00

Ever wake up to your crying infant and mumble those 3 famous words..."it's your turn"? New parents know (or will find out very quickly) that it can be difficult to get out of bed every 2-3 hours at night to feed and change their little bundle of joy. Especially when they haven't slept more than an hour at a time for the past month. Wry Baby's Duty Pillow Cases take the wonder or at times the spat out of who's turn it really is or isn't to tend to the baby. So set the record straight before you crash and avoid the cold shoulder in the morning. Also, check out a bunch of Wry Baby's other witty products like; "I Love my Moms" snapsuit, "Someday I'll have a hairy chest" Tshirt, and the "Drooly Bib".

The Beautiful Escape of Yellena James

2009-02-19T09:11:00.004-05:00

The colorful world that Yellena James creates is a place where I want to live. With a box of pens, markers, and a bit of ink Yellena crafts something so powerful yet so subtle and delicate. She has created these illustrative beauties for the likes of Anthropologie and Nike and has been featured on Design Sponge and Giant Robot. This month you can find her work on Poppytalk Handmade.

I love, love, love her art so much that I just purchased the above print titled "Flare" from her Etsy Store. While floating around etsy, I found an old interview with Yellena. It was a bit of a surprise to find that when Yellena came to the US (from Sarajevo) she lived in Orlando, Florida where she attended the University of Central Florida's Graphic Design program. She graduated from the program in 2002. That was just 6 years after I did.

Today Yellena resides in Portland, Oregon. She is currently participating in the "Sesquatennial" show at Grass Hut. It may be my turn to "follow" her...Oregon is on my Top 5 Places to Move list.

Calling All LGBTQ Artists, Designers, Poets, Musicians..You Get the Picture.

2009-02-11T13:21:00.010-05:00

I am looking for LGBTQ artists of all kinds to be feature on Lez Get Real and of course the Grow By Love Blog.

If you are part of the LBGTQ community and create/do anything unique from apparel, painting, dance, graphic art, cooking, songwriting, baking cakes, narrate audio books, quilting, dog grooming, animation, performing drag, DJ, poetry, hair styling, movies, photography, or crafts (basically anything that doesn't hurt a furry little animal) then I want to hear from you.

Why? - Two reasons. One, I love art of all kinds. Two, I want to connect, educate and support the creative LGBTQ's.

How? - So, educate me. Send me a link, a photo, or a bio about you and your creative genius. Nominate your friends, family members or secret crushes. Send your goodies to: growbylove(at)gmail.com

Here is the most recent LGBTQ Artist featured on Lez Get Real. - Aly the Red.

Tegan and Sara on Liz Feldman

2009-02-05T08:59:00.012-05:00

Lesbian video from AfterEllen.com

I can't help but love watching that quick witted woman in a snazzy blue suede jacket, Liz Feldman. She's a lesbian comic hosting her own talk show right from her kitchen table. You don't have to be a lesbian to laugh yourself into a crying fit while watching one of her episodes. (Though you may be able to recognize her witty punches a tad more quickly.)

A few of my favorite musicians have performed on the show. This week it is Tegan and Sara. Rachael Cantu and Uh Huh Her were on the previous week. Past guest include Kate Moennig from The L Word, Bridget McManus from After Ellen's Brunch with Bridget, and comic Erin Foley who appeared on "Last Comic Standing".

Don't think I would forget to add that Raimy Rosenduft makes an appearance on every show. Raimy is like a little music fairy. She always brings a hand picked selection of amazing bands to share with the audience. She knows her shtuff and has turned me on to many new bands. Check the music fairy's blog, Muthafunka.

Thanks Liz and Raimy for entertaining me and making me laugh. Can't go wrong with making someone laugh.

A Little Eco-Warmth For Your Coffee

2009-02-04T09:25:00.007-05:00

A few months ago, I discovered Bliss Monkey Studio on Etsy. Their hand made coffee cozies had me at first click. Not only are their cozies completely adorable, they are reusable! The artist and crafts woman responsible for my eye’s delight is Alysse Hennessey (Aly The Red). From her charming studio in Eugene, Oregon Aly creates playful goodies like coffee cozies, market bags, wrist warmers, ornaments, and plush monsters using vintage and repurposed fabrics and eco-friendly inks. Check out Aly's blog and Bliss Monkey Studio's Etsy Shop and support a lesbian artist and our environment, one less paper cup sleeve at a time.

Not Your Average Supermarket

2009-01-29T09:36:00.012-05:00

I love the goodies at Supermarket.com. You can't eat them but they sure do look tastey.

Screen print from North Carolina's Ahpeele. Love the fresh hint of Japanese.

Wooden beauty "Little Wings" necklace by NYC's Lauren Haupt. I might have to get one of these. Or someone could get it for me...hint hint.

Can't go wrong with Poketo. Dishwasher safe cool plate. I love it too much to put it in the dishwasher.

2009 Calendar by Nora Whynot Press from Brisbane Australia.

likey

Halloween Birthday Party: Snow White Eats An Apple

2009-01-23T14:11:00.010-05:00

Finally posting a few photos from Bean's 4th Halloween Birthday Party. It was a blast. Thanks to The Balloon Diva for providing the face painting and the most unique balloons I have ever seen... ask her to make you a little mermaid, spider, or a frog bracelet...she can do it and more.

A Big thanks to Sweet Millie P's for fulfilling my special request on the adorable Jack-O-Lantern Cake! I became a fan of this etsy shop when I purchased the Cream Cheese Banana Mousse Cake for wifey's birthday. It was amazing!

Another HUGE thanks to my sister (Jail Bird) for all of her help. The guest would have starved without her. My little sis always lends a hand...and I am very thankful for it. Thanks to Dracula for taking the theme so seriously. The kids loved it.
Captain Sparrow bobbing for apples.
Snow White eating an apple? She lives dangerously.

Thanks to my friends Amy, Donna, and Carrie for pitching in to make the day more festive. Thanks to all of our friends and family who celebrated with us!

The Art of the Obama Campaign

2009-01-19T19:01:00.005-05:00

In the past political elections, a yard sign was just a yard sign. That is until the Obama campaign.

There is no question that art played a key roll in the success of Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. The campaign’s logo, website, stickers, t-shirts, buttons, yard signs, and posters did more than just advertise or promote a candidate’s name in a blue or red box. They were art

To read the whole post go...here.

Happy 4th Birthday Bean!!!

2009-01-16T09:08:00.004-05:00

Today my little girl turns 4. She is officially a little person. An adorable little person who is hilarious, kind, wild, giving, bright, and independent. She could probably take care of herself now. All she needs is a stool.

Per Bean's request, tomorrow we are having a Halloween/Birthday party. You know, every little girl's dream birthday...ok I am kidding. She isn't like all the other girls and I have to admit that I love that. She has her own ideas. Her own spunk. It is so beautiful to see her at this stage in her life. Bean has this freedom about her. That along with her youthful innocence makes for a little person who doesn't see limitations.

Happy Birthday Bean. I love you little one.

Post Holiday Food Coma

2008-12-31T11:22:00.003-05:00

Yes, I made a rather large dent in the cookie jar...and in the peanut butter fudge, the iced sugar cookies, pumpkin pies, pumpkin rolls, whipped cream, cheesey potatoe casserole and ham sandwiches. My brain and my stomach are paying for it. Agh, it was all worth it. Ask me two weeks from now when I am on the elipical machine thingy at the gym...I may have a different opinion.

I have been away from the blog for a while to spend time with the fam. I will be posting photos shortly. I promise to make you laugh at least once. I am continuing to stretching this holiday thing as far as I can...a good escape was well needed and I am going to milk it for all it is worth. Be back again....very soon.

Happy Last Day of 2008!

I am off to make my Grammy's Ham Potpie...and stuff my face with more sugar and flour.

I'm the Lesbo of the Week on Lez Get Real

2008-12-19T13:35:00.006-05:00

Well looky, looky at my big mug on the front page of Lez Get Real. Thanks for the compliment LGR!

The New Photographer in the Family

2008-12-11T09:13:00.009-05:00

Ask my wifey what I love to do in my spare time...take tons of photos. Seriously, tons and tons of photos. Some are for recording memories while most are just for texture or playing with unique angles and subjects. I am a dork.

Two days ago, as we were putting up the Christmas tree Bean asked if she could use my camera. Of course my heart melted when she asked. I gave her my Lumix. I thought after a few clicks she would be bored and be done with her recording the event. A half an hour later, I had to distract her to get my camera back, it was my turn.

Later that night after Bean was tucked into bed we took a peek at her shots. I was all aglow of course. Wifey just shrugged her shoulders and said, "oh no, there are two of you!" I beamed! Take a look at all of Bean's shots on flickr.