Flashback Friday!

Please. Please tell me there are other...how shall I put this? Other freaks out there who loved the eerie brilliance that was Twin Peaks. Any takers? Who's gonna admit it? Who was even old enough in 1990 to appreciate this hour of thrills & chills, immortalized by David Lynch, genius that he was/is.

It's probably no surprise by now that I was a huge fan of Twin Peaks. Because y'all know, I'm a little whacko when it comes to this kind of genre. Twin Peaks truly rocked in so many ways. It fascinated me...who killed Laura Palmer? It frightened me...one word: Bob. It humored me...Agent Cooper & his adoration of cherry pie. It made me covet highly arched eyebrows like Audrey's (Sherilyn Fenn).



I never planned to own up to my love of Peaksmania. But Melissa encouraged me to go public. Really what she said was, "Oh please--we already know you're whacko--this won't shock anyone!" That's one fiery pastor's wife, I tell ya. And just so y'all know--she's a Peakser, too. Yeah girl, I just outed you!

Now you're all gonna get your Netflix queues primed & ready for some Twin Peaks love, right? It was such a good show. Mysterious, wild, scary, fun, quirky, and a rip-roarin' good time. Promise.

Happy weekend, y'all!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh, but y'all need to head on over to Land of Bean...Cara has posted a must-see video. Well, must-see if you have small children and need a good laugh today. I'm just sayin'.

"I Don't Know, But Can I Watch Charlie & Lola?"

I asked Libbey to give me a title for today's post. And there you have it.

I wish I had the theme music to Charlie & Lola on today's offering, because that is the single most happiest song on the planet. I'd make it my cell ringtone if my beloved Redcoat Marching Band was not currently belting out University of Georgia's fight song, "Glory, Glory To Ol' Georgia!" Oh how I love living amidst all these University of Tennessee (blech--I spit any residue of those 3 words out of my mouth--patoooie!) fans and the looks of searing hate they bestow in my direction, upon hearing "Glory" when I receive a call. I purposely let it play longer than necessary...for full effect. Yeah, I am real, true, hardcore fan. Just so y'all know.

What was I saying? Oh yes, Charlie & Lola. Don't you just love that song? It's rather happy-go-lucky, no?

OK, OK...I know...the real reason you're here is to see who gets some Vera Bradley love, along with other goodies. Let's allow Random Generator to work its magic, please:

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:31
Timestamp: 2008-08-28 02:21:12 UTC

Number 31...that's a good number...who left comment number 31?

Did you know Georgia's season opener is this Saturday? They're playing Georgia Southern, another fine institute of higher learning in my beloved state of origin. Of course I want my Bulldogs to win big. My ranked #1 in the nation Bulldogs. Did I mention I'm a bit of a fan?


Oh, stop rolling your eyes. Number 31 is none other than:

Rhea from Texas Word Tangle!!!!

Ain't she all kinds of sassy in that most awesome pink hat?

To those of you who didn't win this go 'round, I offer a consolation prize: You really should be reading Rhea's blog. Go check it out, why don't ya? And come back soon for yet another Lulaville giveaway...I'll be feeling rather Autumnal in a few more weeks and inspiration will flow in the form of free stuff. I love those two words. Who doesn't? Say them with me--"Free Stuff!"

Good times, y'all.

Misguided Direction.

While leaving the studio after registering both girls for dance (oh my head, Caroline's a Lee School of Dance student now!) I reminded Libbey of the 10 years I took ballet, tap, and jazz lessons. Once I got to junior high and became a cheerleader, dancing took a back seat to burgeoning popularity (or so the Sweet Valley High books promised!), pep rallies, and wearing my uniform to school at least once per week. It was one less outfit to stress over. And we all know how important the look is to a thirteen year old, particularly in 1987.

I ceased my lessons at The Academy of Dance, traded in my pointe shoes for pom-poms, leotards for bloomers, the stage for the stadium, and never looked back.

And then tonight I saw this:

I now want to take this moment to thank my parents, Sonny & Pinky, for allowing me to place emphasis on my toe-touches and vocal projection, rather than pirouettes and flap ball changes.

I'll never dance to Leona Lewis with a male partner or shake my groove thang on national television. No get down girl, go 'head, get downing for me. No chance of ever performing with a Cirque du Soleil tour, becoming a Rockette, or even a Vegas showgirl--ostrich plumes, rhinestones, and 4 pounds of make-up, i.e. my dream costume!

Thanks, Mama and Daddy. Look how far cheerleading got me.

Libbey and Caroline...you will take dance lessons 'til you die. The End.

*Of course y'all realize I'm kidding. Right?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Back-to-school giveaway winner announced tomorrow!

It Vexes.

Let's peek into the chaos that is my mind. Its inner workings astound me, as well as freak me out quite regularly. See that Bible verse over on the right there? Yeah, God knows me, and for this I am eternally grateful. I can't wait to ask Him one day, face to face, "Lord, what were You thinking?" and "How many times in any given day did You chuckle at the mess that was in my noggin?" He'll have an answer. I'm counting on it.

While assembling a chicken casserole yesterday afternoon I compiled a list of things that were bugging me, grating on my nerves, and/or creating unwelcome sadness:

*The leaves are turning. Already. It's late August and we've had 3 weeks with no rain. Fall is my favorite season, however I'm not quite ready for it.

*William Petersen is leaving CSI after 9 episodes this season. No Gil Grissom in my life is unfathomable. Replacing him is Laurence Fishburne. That might work...we'll wait & see.


*I'm never going to get my tattoo. I've only wanted one for 10 years. Why do I keep putting it off?

*My People magazine is regularly being delivered 5-7 days after the fact, when everything's old news. What's the point? I'm having to go to Perez Hilton more often than I care to admit. And I've reported this problem to the good folks at People 4 times now. Four. Times. People, can we get with the People?

*Still another 150+ days 'til Lost returns. And Sci-Fi.com won't even divulge when Battlestar Galactica is back on air, for its final season. Who is the final Cylon? I'm rather impatient.



*This week, Colorado...next week, Minnesota. I'm so over all of it. November 4th, please come and go.

*Philosophy has new smelly goods for Fall, particularly Pumpkin Spice Muffin Shower Gel. This speaks to my heart, but obviously not loud enough. It's sold out everywhere. Already.

With my hands still shredding chicken, I also made another list in this brain 'o mine. However this was a glad list. Ever seen Pollyanna? We own everything Hayley Mills has ever done, and Pollyanna rocks. And after feeling somewhat blue over utterly trivial things, I knew I needed to be happy:

*My new BareMinerals Buxom Lips Full Color Gloss in "Vanessa." Autumn, my lips are ready!

*Libbey adores first grade, loves her teacher, enjoys her classmates, and thinks she is Big Stuff now that she's no longer a "little" kid. (Still haven't uploaded the pictures from her first day.)

*Twilight is less than three months away. My birthday & Christmas arrive early this year!

(Working on the convincing here, my friend. He is delicious.)

*Love, love, loving The Cure's new song, "The Perfect Boy." Thanks ever so much, Amy! I am forever in your debt. I'm just not gonna admit how many times the iPod jukebox has played it since last night. It wouldn't embarrass me, but I can't speak for the rest of y'all.

*I'm not in Colorado this week. (Unless Heather calls with a sudden invite.) Nor will I be in Minnesota next week. Remember? I'm over it. Both of 'em.

*Buffalo-flavored Pop'rs enhance chicken casserole. Delish! Thanks, Veggie Mom! Why aren't y'all on Ellen yet?

*I'm wearing a very special, very fabulous, and downright awesome t-shirt. I'll take a picture eventually (when I have a photographer handy!), but you just have to know that the front reads "EAMC, June 20, 1901" and the back has a special quote that includes the word "meadow." And if you don't know what "EAMC" or "the meadow" means, you're not reading. It's The. Best. Shirt. Ever. You totally deserve a public shoutout, Tiffany! Again, a huge thanks to you! I kind of love you just a little.

*I'm seeing Equus on Broadway, with my good friend Lacey. And not just because a certain wizard from Hogwarts is, ahem, naked while performing in it. On stage. Live. Cough-cough. We have zero ulterior motives. Just sayin'.

And right about now there are five ladies listed over on my blogroll who are not the least bit horrified or shocked at any of my admissions. They're simply nodding their heads, gently laughing, slightly rolling their eyes, and saying to themselves, "Yep, that's Leigh Anne." Right, girls? (Love you--K, B, S, and K--miss you all.)

Am I vexing or what? Yeesh, y'all...go with it, work with me, and, as always, please don't flee. Vexed or not, I couldn't bear your absence.

Mad Musical Monday.

I wanna do something a bit different today. It's not anything y'all haven't seen before, I know, but I've read some of your posts on it and wanted to jump on the bandwagon. Heather called it "Doing the iPod Shuffle," and I think that's a pretty fitting description.

Also, I've been working out a lot the past few days (shocking, I know!) and most of the stuff I've been listening to while sweating would really send y'all running. What would y'all think of a post about Kanye West's "Stronger, " or "Crank That" by Soulja Boy (The Travis Barker Remix), and "Bleed It Out," by Linkin Park? Yeah, you'd be running. Most of you, at least. Please keep loving me!

So here we go...let's see what the Pod has to say about me:

1. How would you describe your personality? Burnin' Up (Jonas Brothers)

2. What do you like in a guy/girl? Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby (Louis Jordan)

3. How do you feel today? Dreams (Van Halen)

4. What's your life's purpose? Tow the Line (Nick Drake)

5. What is your motto? Pour Me Out (PFR)

6. What do your friends think of you? Breathe Me (Sia)

7. What do you think of your parents? Security (Otis Redding)

8. What do you think about very often? (How Little It Matters) How Little We Know (Frank Sinatra)

9. What do you think of your best friend? She's Electric (Oasis)

10. What do you think of the person you like? I Love You More Than Words Can Say (Otis Redding)

11. What is your life story? More Than Likely (P.M. Dawn)

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Thanksgiving (George Winston)

13. What do you think when you see the person you like? Black Velveteen (Lenny Kravitz)

14. What do your parents think of you? Take Me For Longing (Alison Krauss & Union Station)

15. What will be played at your funeral? Bigger Than My Body (John Mayer)

16. What is your hobby/interest? Wild Honey Pie (The Beatles)

17. What is your biggest secret? Daylight (Coldplay)

18. What do you think of your friends? Sing for Absolution (Muse)

19. What should you post this as? Little Earthquakes (Tori Amos)

Numbers 7, 8, 9, and 10 crack me up, because they are pretty spot-on. But number 15...well, I can only say "appropriate."

Good times, y'all!

His music made an appearance on the shuffle, so it's only fair his likeness be represented here. Lenny...I'm just sayin'.

Flashback Friday!

Mama and Me, March 1976. She is 29, I am 15 months.

Thirty-two years have passed, but I'm certain she'd cradle me much like this if I asked. And I'm positive I still look at her this way.

Most of the time.

When she's not reading Twilight (that was Tuesday), New Moon (Wednesday), Eclipse (Thursday), and Breaking Dawn (started last night, will finish later today). I mean, I wanted her to read them. I've begged her for a year. But come on, already! She drove over six hours to visit us, and her nose has been buried in these books for three days now. (Meanwhile Dad's been camped out in Scott's office...computers, guitars, XM radio and all.)

Stephenie Meyer, I love you...but I want my Mama back. My girls want Mamaw Pinky to play with them. And if Mamaw Pinky thinks she's tagging along on girls' night out to see my beloved Jason Statham in "Death Wish," then she better get the lead out. After all, he is shirtless in this movie. 'Nuff said.

I love you, Mary Elizabeth Raley Roth. So much that one daughter is named Mary Elizabeth, while the other shares your maiden name as her middle. I've totally secured my position in Heaven because of this. Honoring my father and mother and all.

I jest.

Get to the end, woman. I need my Mama back. Then we can discuss all of it while you entertain the girls. Good times.

Happy weekend, y'all!

First of First.

Today my eldest is an official first grader, and I'm feeling mushy, gushy, and generous. It's freebie time here at Lulaville--Back to School style!

Here's the goods:

A Vera Bradley medium cosmetic bag in the new Puccini print. Think of it as your new little tote for the essential supplies, whether you're in school, at work, or working in your home.
Smith's Rosebud Salve is the balm for what ails...chapped lips, ragged cuticles, small cuts or burns, diaper rash, windblown cheeks...it's pink-hued wonder in a nifty little tin.

You really need Sephora BODY Nourishing Hand Cream, especially with the cooler months rapidly approaching. I'm obsessed with keeping my hands hydrated, and this stuff is amazing.

I'll also throw in a few surprise goodies, because I'm a lover of "free gift with purchases" myself, and isn't it always a treat to receive something unexpected? I'm so like a 9 year old in this manner. May my inner child never fade!

If ya wanna get the goods, leave a comment. I don't care what you write...feel free to once again spread Twilight love, countdown the days 'til Lost returns (hint--it's on this blog!), suggest a new book for me to devour, tell me what your all-time favorite song is, WHATEVER. Just write me. Let me know my random drivel of yesterday didn't truly send y'all running for the hills.

Desultory.

My pal Kat, from Sunshine and Lemonade, is known for being the Queen of Random Drivel. Today I'm going to borrow her crown, with her permission. Wait...maybe I should ask her permission first. Let me just give her a call right quick.

Me: Kat, can I borrow your Random Drivel title for my post?

Katrina: Not only will I freely share it with you, I'll virtually place the jewels upon your head, swath a satin sash across your midsection, and fill your arms with dozens of roses.

Me: Thanks...and then I'll return the glory to you at the end of the day. Or maybe not.

Three hours later (and an interruption for Kat to calmly discuss with her girls the ramifications of not going to bed), after a bunch of really good, random rabbit trails of conversation, Kat's phone--yes, her phone--announced, "You have reached your maximum talk time!" I promise y'all...it happened...she got fussed at by the phone. Ah well...it was after 1 am.

So... I have the crown and will now perform my first duty of the day.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About 7 years ago--OK, OK--7 weeks ago, Swirl Girl tagged me for a meme. She thinks I've forgotten...she also thinks I don't know her real name, but I've got a clue for everyone: Peter Pan. That's all I'm sayin'. I heart her. Not long after this bit o' tagging, Melissa and Veggie Mom also showed me some linky love. I'm either supposed to list random things about myself, answer a bunch of fun, insightful questions, or do the hokey-pokey. 'Cause that's what it's all about. I think.

Let's see...six random things about myself? Ummm...I think I've spoken of these before...I'm a Sci-Fi lover, I'm a not-so-closet Goth, Paula Deen is my close, personal friend (yep, still claiming it!), and I find joy in Playtex Sport tampons because they root for me during that time of the month. That's 4 bits of trivia for ya. Two more...hmmmm...oh, I adore Lawrence Welk. I mean, I really love his show...I could dance amongst the bubbles & bouffants with the best of 'em. Finally, I sleep with a pillow over my head, and have since the age of about two.

Could I be any more boring? Oh, how I wish Chandler could recite that line for me. It sounds so much better coming from him.

And now for my "Semi-Monosyllabic Pronouncements for the Day." (Thanks Veggie Mom!)
Where is your cell phone? Purse

Where is your significant other? Work.

What is your hair color? Processed.

Your mother? Reading to my girls.

Your father? Requesting breakfast.

Your favorite thing? Family.

Your dream last night? Hawt!

Your dream/goal? Beach house.

The room you're in? Kitchen.

Your hobby? Reading.

Your fear? Loss.

Where do you want to be in 6 years? The Ellen Show.

Where were you last night? Home...being scolded by Kat's phone.

What you're not? Prejudiced.

One of your wish-list items? Liposuction.

Where you grew up? GEORGIA!

The last thing you did? Took a sip of coffee.

What are you wearing? Grey wife beater & gym shorts.

Your TV? Several.

Your pet? Lewis-the-Cat.

Your computer? Miss Pretty Pink (Dell laptop).

Your mood? Tired.

Missing someone? Yes.

Your car? MomVan.

Something you're not wearing? Make-up.

Favorite store? Target.

Your summer? Still going strong.

Love someone? Yes. Many. Fervently.

Favorite color? "Pink is my signature color..." --Steel Magnolias

When is the last time you laughed? Last night. 'Til the phone interrupted.

Last time you cried? Few days ago...after finishing Breaking Dawn again.


Seriously, y'all...if you're still reading this far I must reward you with a bit of news. But first, thanks for all the tagging love, girls...I pray you haven't been sufficiently bored. My life is indeed random, but also pretty lackluster. I'm sorry I can't even attempt to make this clever!

Onto to the news: NEW GIVEAWAY TOMORROW! Or, FREE STUFF FROM ME! Come back tomorrow, please. If you dare!
Now you know I'm not giving him away...I just thought this post needed a bit of oomph, and who's more qualified to provide than my boyfriend? Exactly.

Is It Vintage or Retro?

I am a stay-at-home Mama+I drive a minivan+I live in a teeny, tiny mountain town=the vital importance of my subscription to InStyle magazine.

After a full day of swimming and hanging out with my friends Lacey & Erica (while reading Star and OK! magazines--we had to get the latest scoop on Britney, you know), I threw on a grey cotton skirt, a blue t-shirt from Target and my ever-present, always-on-my-feet Reefs. Not exactly frumpy, but certainly not style worthy. In fact, I'd likely end up in the back of Glamour, with a big, black bar across my eyes. That's their polite manner of assessing, "Oh no, honey...don't!" But my clothes were easy and simple, and I was only going out to bring supper to my grandmother-in-law. There was no need for catwalk status. Writing this "out loud" makes me feel better.

So I sit here, listening to Depeche Mode (how "emo" can you get?), thinking that I need a wardrobe makeover. I'd love a closet full of designer threads (BCBG or Calvin Klein, anyone?), or at least a bunch of stuff from Ann Taylor, True Religion, or Anthropologie. But that would require a lot of thought, a ton of new shoes and accessories, and more weight loss. Oh yeah, and a ton of cash. Too much work!

I think I wanna become Winona Ryder, cicra 1989. A new pixie cut for my hair, lots of dark eyeliner in the daytime, and Chuck Taylors in every color imaginable. And maybe Johnny Depp on my arm. I'm just sayin'. Because then I could wear retro t-shirts the likes of these:

I'd dare not sport this around my town...it would just put me one step closer to someone's conviction that one day I'll wind up in Playboy. Ahem.

Admit it. You're now singing the song, and longing to roll in a 5.0, with the ragtop down so your hair can blow.

I love mullets. They are a part of everyday life in these parts, on both women and men. Kid you not! I would rock this shirt with jeans and a black Member's Only jacket. With my pixie haircut.

Alas, I dare not alter my fashion stance too radically. My children wouldn't recognize me without my faithful standards (Reefs and capris in the summer, fleece and boots in the winter), and my husband would complain that my new Winona-look is too boyish. He's all about tight-fittin' shirts and high heels. And let's not even delve into the impression I'd leave on the PTA...or the fine ladies at my bank...or that guy who fills my gas tank while questioning my musical preferences. "That there what they call 'alternative'?" Um no, buddy...it's Linkin Park...and they're fabulous. See my mullet t-shirt? Word.

I suppose Winona will have to wait. There will be no mommy make-over for this girl. It was fun to imagine, though. But next time I'm going to vary the scenario...add about 5 inches to my height, subtract more pounds from my person, and take my shopping spree on over to Frederick's of Hollywood. Yeah, I could do the whole blonde bombshell look.

Mad Musical Monday.

I'm feeling full of girl power today (and yes--I loved the Spice Girls--no hating on me, please!), so it's quite necessary to share with y'all some of my favorite female artists. I adore musicians such as Alison Krauss, Patsy Cline and Ann Wilson (of Heart). Their voices are some of my most favorite in the world of music. And if I could sing like Amy Lee (of Evanescence), you'd never be able to cease my lyrical stylings.

Today, though, I wanted to mention a few of my favorites that are lesser-known. Maybe the fact that these gals aren't touring 50,000 seat venues is what lends to their charm. Be they famous, though wildly or mildly, I care less. I just wanna hear good music, y'all.



"Sway," by Bic Runga
I first heard "Sway" in the movie American Pie (cringe--I know!), and immediately grabbed (stole?) the song off Napster. Remember Napster? That time seems like ages ago. I've been a fan of Bic Runga's ever since...her voice is mesmerizing.



"Breathe Me," by Sia.
Ever heard the fabulous song "In the Waiting Line" by Zero 7? It's on my list of most favorites. Sia Furler used to be a member of Zero 7, before going out on her own. To my ears, her magical voice sounds rather celestial.



"Your Song," by Kate Walsh.
Oh, how I adore Kate Walsh. A British export, her album "Tim's House" is usually played in Lula's house at least twice a week. Why she isn't a household name is beyond me.

Finally, I'm unable to post a video (darn those artists' licensing rights!), but this voice is so amazing it's worth a listen. Click here, and enjoy the perfection that was October Project. They've been disbanded for years, but I've remained a fan. Mary Fahl is brilliant...I would listen to her sing the phone book if she offered.

Spread some girl power! And aren't y'all glad I didn't link the Spice Girls here? As always, I try to take care of my peeps!

Almost Wet My Pants.

This afternoon I received an e-mail from Summit Entertainment. As in Summit Entertainment, the producers of the Twilight movie.

Basically the e-mail went like this:

Dear Leigh Anne,

Because you are such a true and devoted fan of the Twilight Saga, we here at Summit Entertainment wanted you to be among the first to know some very brilliant news. Happy early birthday, dear Leigh Anne: Twilight is being released three weeks early, on November 21, 2008, instead of December 12, as previously scheduled! We wanted to give you this information as soon as possible, in hopes that you will be able to join us for the film's red carpet premiere, including a special meeting with author, Stephenie Meyer, and the cast of the movie, all of whom are dying to meet you in person.

Thanks for being such a fan,
Summit Entertainment Group

p.s. Rob's cell number is 310-xxx-xxxx.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OK, OK...y'all have to remember that when I dream, I dream BIG!
Here's the actual e-mail:

That's right, y'all...under 100 days 'til the book is revealed on the big screen. Please commence with the squealing now. Especially after you see this:

Oh, and this:


Indeed, it does make me so happy!

Flashback Friday!

Anyone wanna take a stab at guessing the number one children's television program exactly 20 years ago? My brother and I loved this one:


"Come on in, and pull yourself up a chair!" Yes, it's Pee-Wee's Playhouse!

It was campy, trippy, wacky, wonky, nutty, and barrels of fun. Plus, it had one of the best theme songs ever--I love me some Cyndi Lauper! Oh, and let's not forget Laurence Fishburne as "Cowboy Curtis." Did y'all know Laurence wasn't always a bada$$?

And before anyone brings it up, let's keep the perspective, people. Nineteen eighty-eight was before Pee-Wee became a household joke for "feeding the ducks" in public. If you have to ask, you obviously don't know. I'll not clue you in. And yeah, I said that...er, wrote that.

Happy weekend, y'all! Or, as is sung in Pee-Wee's theme, "Let the fun begin, it's time to let down your hair..." Woo-woo!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh, this makes me so happy--my truly fabulous friend, Debbie, has made it possible for bloggers to do some world travelling, virtually speaking. Check out her new site, Blog Around The World. It's great fun. And, oh yeah...she also asked me to be a guest poster today at her new little corner of the blogosphere. What an honor! And also, how terrifying! Thanks for trusting me, Debbie...you remain my Fairy Blogmother, as always.