cheers.

Mommy wisdom 2012.

1. Jogging backwards on a Bowflex tread climber is really hard but really worth it.
2. Fast food is gross and I shouldn't feed it to Jack but he loves Happy Meal toys.
3. I love it when Jack calls me "mama" instead of "mommy." Sounds so sweet.
4. My Keurig is the best thing to happen to me since the Dyson.
5. Always wait to buy overpriced designer shit at Target- it will go on sale and you will feel dumb.
6. Jack wants either purple kitty cat pajamas or a dog hat (whatever that is) that says Happy New Years and some pajamas with dogs on them. Sure, why not.
7. Committing to the idea of making healthy choices is much more effective for me than sticking to a strict diet.
8. In a state of sleep deprivation and intense worry and anxiety, I seriously considered the idea of not having anymore kids because I couldn't bear the thought of watching another child recover from a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.
9. Finding time to record music has been a challenge but one that has been well worth the effort.
10. I fear too many things.
11. The world does not end if you don't send out Christmas cards. It was hard for me to accept but it's true.

2013 to do list.

1. Hot yoga.
2. Learn about champagne.
3. Read Little Women again.
4. Clean up the back yard and find great patio furniture and big, colorful planters.
5. Completely quit the occasional social smoking habit I have.         ...i know, i know.
6. Spend more time with my mama.
7. Become a Beachbody coach.
8. Go to sleep earlier. Get up earlier.
9. Make a list of things to do and places to go with my boys.
10. Grow out these damn bangs.
11. Record more songs.
12. Find a little happiness every day.
13. Seek out super awesome workout apparel.
14. Oh shit. Pick up my favorite jeans at Kim's Alterations. Something I forgot to do 2 WEEKS AGO.
15. Be a better friend.
16. Have an adventure.
17. Spend more time outside.
18. Relax.
19. Wear more dresses.
20. Send handwritten letters to friends.

Enjoy your weekend.

♥ jp

The Sky is Full of Silver & Gold.

Lately I've been struggling with a question most people know before they are my age. I thought I knew when I was a kid- a ballerina. That changed into "working in film." Somewhere in my mid-twenties that changed to photography. Music is something that I would choose over any of these things but the older I get, the more tied down with grown-up things I become, the less of a realistic option that is. I have accepted that and while I will always keep it in my heart and my dreams, it's time to move on. Never did I ever think I would be a stay-at-home mother. It's by far the most challenging "job" I've ever had with much less gratitude and appreciation although it's also a fine luxury not afforded to everyone. Jack is now 3.5 and I feel like it's time for me to find something that makes me happy. I've considered studying to become a personal fitness trainer. Does that sound stupid? I'm never going to be a lawyer like my brothers or a doctor or a movie star so I might as well focus on something I have a genuine interest in and build a life outside of being a mommy and a wife. I also love doing nail art and that's something I've considered too. A friend of mine (who owns a salon and is a manicurist) has encouraged me numerous times to pursue a career in the beauty industry but I guess it's hard for me to take compliments and advice- frequently feeling like people are just being nice. I love working in the arts and if I could find a job that would allow me to work with artists or promote arts in Oklahoma, I would do it in a heartbeat. That's another thing- when you're out of the working community for 4 years, I can see where it would be challenging to find a fulfilling job and someone out there to hire you.

Essentially I have been working. I have daily and weekly duties that take a great sense of communication, multi-tasking, and the biggest responsibility I will ever know. Really, it made me grow up a lot.  But, I have a multitude of talents and strengths and I sometimes feel like I'm wasting it all away when I could be using it to change the world. Or at least change a few people's lives.

Or maybe I should just run away with the circus.

I do love our Mommy/Baby/Special Days though. Tomorrow is one of those days. Jack wants to do "craft."

Still dying over Prima Creative. Loving the floral nail art- i haven't tried it yet though. Maybe soon!

Absolutely dying over The New Black The Digital Underground by Christina Rinaldi. (the genius behind Prima.)

 I want all of these sets of polishes so bad! 

above: my favorite nails from this weekend. 

below: my second favorite from this weekend.

(I change them up a lot.)

Took Jack to the Walkmen concert on the lawn of the art museum last night. We went by The Library (the one with food and drinks, not the actual library) and Jack had his first big pretzel. Walked back to watch the band and Jack danced in the lights and then struck some quick poses for me. What a sweetie pie.

Music. I recorded an album at home. It's up on my bandcamp page for free download.

Sunday I'm deleting all the songs but it'll be up until then.

HUDSON ROAR

midnight paradise

♥

jp

Fresh Summer

This summer. It's feels like it's been a long one but then again, it feels like it's gone by so fast. I'm ready for it to be over although I already miss my tan. It was too hot to be outside for a while- 114 degrees- no, thank you! Went to Rhode Island to go to my little brother's wedding- which was absolutely beautiful and at some point I'd like to do a post all about it.

Upon returning, we learned Husband's Grandad had been hospitalized for what we believed to be heat exhaustion or something similar. A couple of days later we got news he had the West Nile Virus. We've all heard about the virus but it seemed like something that would never happen to us or anyone we love. I can't even begin to explain how much this family has changed my life and I'm forever grateful to the man who started it. He passed away on August 23rd. Watching my Husband and my In-Laws go through this absolutely breaks my heart. Jack has been a big comfort during everything, giving hugs and saying sweet things to me, Husband, and my father-in-law. The best father-in-law ever, I might add. There is a lot more I could say about all of this but the most important thing I can say to you is a simple warning. Protect yourself and your family. It's as simple as wearing bug spray that contains DEET. Keep hours outside to a minimum. Get rid of standing water near your house. You think you will never have to experience this horrible virus but I assure you, you don't want to take a chance.

So. These pictures aren't in any particular order. I just grabbed some off of my computer because, well, I figured I haven't seen you all in months and of course you're probably wondering what Jack has been up to and what he's been wearing. Capes were definitely IN for summer. As were "cowboy clothes," complete with a bandana in the back pocket. 

 I got a hair cut. Really I did it because it was looking a little unhealthy from all the ombre bleaching and toning I've been doing for the past year. Much better now. There's still a hint of ombre in there. Also, I'm growing out my bangs in case you were wondering. I know you were.

Tons of new fitness discoveries this summer. I drink Shakeology (made by Beachbody) every day. I haven't touched an energy drink in forever and I rarely get headaches anymore. My skin is much clearer and I just feel a lot better. Husband bought me a Polar ft7. It's a heart rate monitor and I'm obsessed with it. I've been doing an hour on my treadclimber + around 45 minutes of my beloved Tracy Anderson Method for 5-6 days a week. I was sick for a full 2 weeks and didn't work out at all during that time so I've been aiming at burning between 600-800 calories a day and eating somewhat clean. I know I sound like a crazy person but I enjoy working out and I feel better than I ever have in my life. Also, I'm very proud of my best friend, Angela, for all of her hard work- she's completed P90X and Insanity along with Shakeology and Energy & Endurance and she looks SO GOOD. I need a picture so I can show you. 

If you're looking for motivation in the fitness department, I suggest you check out Kenna Shell. She is a beachbody coach and lost over 80 lbs after having her son. 80lbs, you guys! She has a private group on facebook and you can join by contacting her HERE. You'll probably recognize her from Pinterest. I know her because our husbands are cousins and I'm here to tell you, her results are the real deal! If only I were that disciplined. Go look at her pictures and you'll see what I mean. Holy crap.

Lots of new songs and free downloads on my Hudson Roar music page. If you even care.

I can't promise I'm back blogging for good, but hey, at least I'm here right now.

Toodles, it's wine time.

♥ jp

never ending fun.

Jack and I have started our morning pictures again.

Everyday he has new ideas of where he wants to pose.

I'm pretty sure he would be a fantastic model.

Speaking of...

If you see a car commercial and you think

"Gee, that kind of looks like Jaguar Paw and Jack Hudson..."

It is.

Jack is beating my car with a fake hammer.

I play the poor, single mother who can't make her car payment on time.

Duh.

More fun with nails.

Jack is going through (what I hope is) a phase.

He's talking back.

Not listening.

Throwing fits.

Spitting.

Yelling.

But-

Husband and I are going to Dallas this weekend to see my favorite- Justin Townes Earle.

That's something to look forward to!

New Wildfox tee and sparkle shorts.

I went with my trusty gold shorts for my show last Thursday.

That show was thebomb.com.

I could hear everything- which is kind of rare.

We opened up for the East Dallas Shufflers and Split Lip Rayfield.

Went to my dad's art opening just before the show and got a few strange looks.

Gold shorts, electric blue platform pumps...

I get it.

"Brooklyn" necklace.

My dad always called me Brooklyn when I was a kid.

The Oh Johnny! Girls at the Conservatory.

Played Norman Music Festival.

Kicked off the show with technical difficulties but we had an amazing turnout and got the ball rolling pretty fast.

Saw a ton of old friends.

A few in particular that I'd actually like to hang out with soon.

Husband was handed the reigns of stage manager at one of the stages.

Hayes Carll played and it was awesome.

Portugal. The Man was awesome.

It was crowded.

Tired.

A little drunk.

Hungry.

Fun.

Hungover.

Although Jack's had a hard time listening to me lately,

he is still so sweet.

And his hair always looks good.

(when I fix it.)

Yes, I cut his hair.

He won't let anyone else near it.

Going to work on finishing up the house this week. 

Almost done, I promise!

Soon I will post before and after pics.

And maybe I'll even invite you to my party.

also,

IT'S ALMOST MY BIRTHDAY.

These days I'm not sure if the word "excitement" is the right word.

More like "oh, yeah... shit."

♥ jp

Pop tart.

So.

Busy.

House almost completely done.

I will post before and after photos soon, I promise.

Two Oh Johnny! Girls' shows this week- Thursday and Friday.

My dad's retrospective art show is Thursday.

Stepped up my workouts a little this week- 

45 mins of Tracy dance cardio.

45-60 mins of Tracy muscular structure workout.

45 mins of Brazil Butt Lift.

Every muscle hurts but I kind of like it.

(Jack Hudson as the ring bearer. He wore a navy suit, white shirt, navy suspenders, and navy converse.)

Our Alabama trip was great.

The wedding was beautiful.

Jack was so handsome.

Wish I had some photos of his rehearsal outfit.

Husband doubts my taste in Jack clothes- until he sees them on him.

When will he learn?

I'm always right.

(I changed him into these super cute shorts + pink belt from the Gap for the reception. Better to play in.)

(On the way to the Birmingham airport.)

Other things I've been doing with my time...

Fun with nail polish.

This morning I bought some new fun little tools for my hobby.

I've been really obsessed with this fun neon pink color I picked up from Ulta.

POP in Pinkest.

It's really, really hot neon pink in real life.

(A pic of the sky 30 minutes before a tornado came through town. Sometime I will tell that story. It was scary.)

(Jack eats a pop tart before school this morning. Very exciting.)

Well, so long.

No telling when I'll be back.

♥ jp

You'll never know, Dear...

Still busy putting the kitchen back together.

The granite should be here in 10-14 days.

Just now getting back to cooking and it feels great.

There's a cake in the oven right now!

Went to the medieval fair on Sunday for an hour.

Ate 1 cheese on a stick.

That's it!

Be so proud.

Saturday.

 Jack Hudson sat on a stool on the back porch while I gave him a new haircut.

He wanted to listen to Dirt Road Anthem a hundred times while I cut.

Whatever calms him.

Jack Hudson wasn't impressed by fairgoers upon his arrival.

Then he saw a boy with a wooden sword and shield.

I saw this:

Ohmygod.

Scooter pony!

Our house.

Urbane Bronze.

It's all done now, this is just a mid-paint job pic.

I love it.

No one loves a good, warm gray like I do.

McCoy Painting and Remodling did a great job.

Sparkles.

Minty.

Jack Hudson calls this look "injure diaper."

♥ jp