A Catch-All, Catch-Up Post

Oops! It's been too long since I've added something here!

New Look for my Blog
Check me out! I've recently been having some fun with Photoshop Elements and have discovered some amazing sources for vintage public domain images and backgrounds. 

My favorite of these sites is this one:

This led me to challenge myself and totally redesign my blog. This design really reflects me and my tastes far better than the basic template design did. I've always loved vintage things and my addiction to the BBC/PBS series, "Downton Abbey," has served to drive me further in that direction.

Let me know what you think!

Super Bowl XLVI
Don't know if you noticed it, but the Super Bowl was played in my hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana this year! It was quite a big deal!

There was much consternation when Indianapolis was first announced as the host for the 2012 Super Bowl. (It's COLD in Indy in February!) The city had originally bid for 2011, but lost out to Dallas due to their newer, bigger, better stadium; supposed better weather; and, probably, because of the influence of the Cowboys' owner.  The second bid worked out though and the city started planning for Super Bowl 46 3 years ago.

I applied right away to be involved somehow on the planning committee, but they had almost 900 applicants for less than 150 positions. I made it to the second round and was interviewed, but didn't get a planning committee role. I was designated as a "special ambassador" and directed to wait until volunteer sign-up began to apply for the special position I'd like.

I ended up as a greeter, manning a welcome desk at two different private aircraft arrival hangars at Indianapolis International Airport.  I had four six-hour shifts over the week. It was a great gig!  The primary rules were things like no photos, no autographs, and don't bother the celebs. I met several retired NFL players from my youth, some celebrities (of both the snooty and very nice varieties), some CEOs of large corporations who were pretty down-to-earth, and some inexplicably rich people who can afford to charter a jet and bring their whole family to the Super Bowl.

Indianapolis is a great city. Those of us who live here know that. We host large events all of the time. The Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400 are the two largest single day sporting events in the world. We regularly host NCAA Final Fours. Our downtown is perfect for conventions because everything is within walking distance.  Visitors often comment on how clean our downtown is and how safe they feel.

It seems that the rest of the country didn't understand this though. I'm happy to say, now they do!

“Every NFL official and media person agreed Indy should become a regular part of Super-Bowl rotation. Super job, Indy.” - ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Twitter.

"I am so proud of the city of Indianapolis. So many people have told me this is the best Super Bowl they have ever attended!" - Former Indianapolis Colts coach and NBC commentator Tony Dungy on NBC’s pregame show.

"I love the fact that the people would come out and support us from all over. They showed that Indianapolis is a great place to have a Super Bowl, and I think there's a great chance they get another one." - Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner, via Indianapolis Star.

Jeff Darlington of NFL.com writes, "I'm convinced all Indy citizens were required to attain a 4-year degree in "How to be Nice" before being allowed into the city. Refreshing."

Jason La Canfora writes, "Biggest winner this week - above and beyond Eli and the Giants - has to be Indy. There will be another Super Bowl here. Tremendous hosts"

Judy Battista of the New York Times wrote, "Heading home...take a bow, Indy. You were spectacular hosts. Hope the game is back here soon."

Of course, the fact that we are having the craziest winter EVER (only two dustings of snow, highs in the 50s and 60s in February), didn't hurt anything!

We looked at this as a "once in a lifetime opportunity" at the time, so we visited the NFL Experience and the Super Bowl Village (twice). Sounds like maybe the city might bid to try to do it all again in a few years. In the meantime, I'll look back at the experience as a great one!



Lucas Oil Stadium the night before the big game



These huge, lit decals on the JW Marriott could be seen
from airplanes as they came in for their landing in Indy

Celebrating the NFL the way only Indy could, an Indy car
decorated for each NFL team, plus a special Super Bowl version-
Giants and Patriots in the front row.

Another Creative Outlet
See that little ticker down below this post? My Photoshop fun has also led me to a little enterprise that's just beginning.  There's not a lot there yet, but feel free to check out my store on Zazzle.com (linked below). I'm going to exclusively be focusing on stationery, cards, and literary-themed items (I think).  We'll see where it goes. Like I said, I'm just getting started!

Finally, in other Quirky News
Our dog, Greta (@Queen_Greta), is now on Twitter, she has more followers than me (@Dodie123), AND she has a wonderful, long-distance doggie boyfriend in Oregon (shout out to Rocky the Malamute/German Shepherd mix)!

Yes, my husband thinks I've lost it.