I couldn’t imagine writing without music. Sometimes it was loud…sometimes soft, but it was always there. It’s no surprise to those who know me that the selections are from no particular genre or even decade. I simply love it all.

1 – Love is on the Way Saigon Kick
2 – Run this Town (Posthumus Zone) Jay Z
3 – Instant Crush Daft Punk
4 – Just the Way You Are/Just a Dream The Barden Bellas
5 – Diamond Eyes Shinedown
6 – Drumming Song Florence and the Machine
7 – Howl Florence and the Machine
8 – Bedroom Hymns Florence and the Machine
9 – No Light, No Light Florence and the Machine
10 – I Don’t Want to Think About It Wild Strawberries
11 – Going Back to Harlan Emmylou Harris
12 – Love Will Remember Selena Gomez
13 – Nothing Like Us Justin Bieber
14 – Slow Down Haim
15 – Stars Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
16 – The Lion, The Beast, The Beat Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
17 – Say Something A Great Big World
18 – With or Without You U2
19 – Black Tears Jason Aldean
20 – Night Train Jason Aldean
21 – Nobody’s Daughter Hole
22 – Us Celine Dion
23 – Think Twice Celine Dion
24 – Man Down Walk off the Earth
25 – Bottoms Up Brantley Gilbert
26 – Just a Dream Nelly (Piano Version)
27 – Stay Rihanna
28 – The Hard Way Paula Cole
29 – Between the Raindrops Lifehouse/Natasha Bedingfield
30 – Love Without Tragedy/Mother Mary Rihanna
31 – Wait Sarah McLachlan
32 – 9 Crimes Damien Rice
33 – Seven Wonders Fleetwood Mac
34 – Red Hands Walk off the Earth
35 – My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark Fall Out Boy
36 – Last Hope Paramore
37 – Part II Paramore
38 – Tonight and the Rest of My Life Nina Gordon
39 – If You Only Knew Shinedown
40 – Misery Business (Acoustic Version) Paramore
41 – Gold Lion Yeah Yeah Yeahs
42 – Gimme Shelter The Rolling Stones

We enjoyed a much needed birthday trip yesterday! Both of our birthdays are in May, and we’ve always tried to do a little trip each year. Aside from our bull shark-attack excursion to Grand Isle several years ago, this one has been my favorite. The day started with brunch at Jolie’s Bistro in Lafayette. Terri had Eggs Blackstone; I had Shrimp and Grits, along with a Bloody Mary that within a few sips, kicked my ass. I’m no lightweight when it comes to alcohol, but this was STRONG with such a wonderful, rich flavor. If you’re ever in Lafayette, Jolie’s Bistro is a must (http://www.jolieslouisianabistro.com/), along with the Blue Dog Cafe (http://www.bluedogcafe.com/our_menu.php). Unfortunately, George Rodrigue’s gallery was closed due to Memorial Day, but the special memorial collection will be on display thru January, and I’m certain we’ll be making a return trip.
We arrived to Avery Island close to twelve and immediately joined in with a tour of the Tabasco plant. Again, a must-do if your ever in the area. (http://www.tabasco.com/avery-island/our-home/) The salt dome here is the largest in the US, and is thought to be as deep as Mount Everest is tall! Crazy!! The McIlhenny family contribute to our special Southern culture with their hot sauce, but also through their dedication to the native wildlife of Louisiana. Not only is the island populated with the plant workers (who live free of charge!!), but many species of animals and plants are protected and preserved here. At one time, Bird City only had eight residents – eight snowy egrets were all that remained of Louisiana’s egret population. But now THOUSANDS of those majestic white birds and other waterfowl call Avery Island home each Spring. Another must-see? The Buddhist temple and the centuries-old Buddha inside. To round off our trip, both of us got to-go bowls of the Tabasco shop food. Terri enjoyed red beans and rice, and I had crawfish Maque Choux. We also tried a sample of Raspberry Chipotle ice cream, and all I have to say is – don’t knock it till you try it!!!
Here are some pictures of our little excursion:

First attempt at the book cover tonight with my dear friend Kyle…can’t wait to see him work his magic!! Omg! This is going to be a reality very soon! EXCITED!