6 Years Today

6 Years Ago Today I met him.

I met the boy, I mean, guy, I mean, man that did all of those things that those perfect romantic comedies said that he will do.

All of the things happened that the Nora Ephrons and John Hughes' promised would happen.

He swept me off my feet.

There was unbelievably witty rapport.

There was awkward tension where we didn't know if we could actually have the level of relationship that we knew this was going to be.

He had to move to Nashville. I was living in L.A. and loving it.

Oh, the drama!

And I loved every minute of it... because I loved him.

Yes, 6 years ago today, we met.

And the story has continued.

It has evolved into about 642 films and song verses since then--mostly sweet, loving, romantic.

Some filled with sadness, fear, moments of being despondent.

But, overall, 6 years filled with lots of love with this person who has been my... everything.

My best friend

My partner

My co-DALLAS tv show fan

MY muse

My supporter

My healer

My puppy's daddy

My person who makes everything make sense

My soother

My sounding board

My surprise party all-in-one

My favorite moment

My family

My heart

I could not ask for more because I would not know what to ask for.

6 years is a long time.

And I am so, so grateful to have met him all those years ago today.

My life is filled with a whole new realm of colors outside my old Crayola box and I have him to thank for it.

Inevitably, people--and I mean everyone asks--what's next? When will you two get married? Have kids? Yada yada yada.

I don't know myself.

I'm not sure what will happen.

I wish I was.

But I am sure of the fact that I have had 6 years with a love-filled heart because of one person and I have become a much better person because of countless things he did that he didn't have to do.

So join us as we raise our glasses tonight in honor of 6 beautiful, love-filled years.

I am so incredibly grateful.

I know how blessed I would have been to have had even one day with this beautiful soul.

To have 6 is just icing on the cake---

and we all know how much I looove icing!

Happy Anniversary, Sugar!

Giddy Hands

So I thought we had covered this. But alas...
I am still not, um,
Cool.
Now before you pick up your phone, laptop or other electronic device and tell me not to frost myself because I, indeed, am cool, a great person, and am totally shortchanging myself, just follow me for a sec.
I wrote the other day about an experience about this and embracing my "uncoolness'.
Yet, I always get some sort of reply from well-meaning, loving friends declaring,
"You are cool, Dawn. Don't say that."

I am not jumping off a bridge. Neither am I saying this to get an affirmation or to get sunshine up my you-know-what (as an ex used to love to say to me when I said something less than positive about myself).
No, I say it because I am not cool. I embrace it and I just think someone should speak up for those of us who aren't cool and it's time to admit it and be proud.
And I am PROUD that I am not cool.
Well, I've accepted it at the very least because I know what "being cool" entails.

Let's look at a few of the definitions of cool.
COOL: 1 of or at a fairly low temperature : it'll be a cool afternoon | the wind kept them cool. • showing no friendliness toward a person or enthusiasm for an ideaor project : he gave a cool reception to the suggestion for a research 2 informal fashionably attractive or impressive : I always wore sunglasses to look cool.

See, I am very warm. Both in heart and body temperature.
So that right there explains quite a bit.
And as for the showing no friendliness or enthusiasm, I mean, I am the whatever the OPPOSITE of that is. I am definitely not aloof.
Apparently, my dog is aloof.
But that's a whole other story for another blog.

No, I am the rare (and by rare, I might mean, a teensy bit crazy) person who gets excited the way most people get excited when they're 5 years old on Christmas morning opening their first Cabbage Patch doll.
Yes, really, I get THAT excited.
About what?
Umm, everything. Nothing. The littlest thing.
Cynical is another word you won't find anyone uses to describe me.
See, it's the little things in life excite me. And it makes life a lot more enjoyable.

Trampolines, a new song I'm writing, photos that were lost and now found, anything just the "right shade" of pink, my friends calling with good news, reading an article a friend just got published, old music videos, the process of getting dolled up to go out/ for a show/shoot, etc., a new recipe that turns out great, walks down the doll aisle at Target, seeing people smile when i give them cupcakes, kids' imaginations, making new friends, and so many more.

When I got really excited when I was little I would rub my hands together when I got really excited and I couldn't contain it.
It's like I had to let that excitement out somehow!
Truth be told, I still do that. My boyfriend, friends and family members will look under the dinner table, if we're talking about something that might excite me, and, without fail, there I am rubbing my hands together like a cricket rubs its little legs together.
It's strange but it's one of those little quirks that make me who I am and a few people even think it's lovable.

And I'm excited that I get excited about things.
I am the most fun person to give a gift to because you know I am going to be downright giddy about it.
And birthday cake?
Forgettaboutit.
It's like the 3 year old version of me appears.
And the pinker the cake, the better.
And watch those hands go when that happens!!
On birthdays, there's a lot of joy, a lot of excitement -- but I wouldn't say any coolness is around on my part.

I'll leave the "coolness" for cool friends who are cool in every way - fashion, music, style, interior design, social etiquette, and the Tao of Cool.
That's why they're my friends - we have things in common and common hearts but we learn from each other's differences, which happen to be our own individual strengths, every day.
But I'll keep the overly warm warmth and the oozing excitement, that might come off as giddy and Pollyanna-like, as my mom likes to refer to it.
It's me and I've grown rather accustomed to me over the years, thank you kindly.

Taylor

Taylor is Nashville's diamond and tonight she became the world's favorite gem.
Tonight was HER night.
While some say it was ruined, I dare to say this night made her a much bigger star than a regular award acceptance speech ever would have.
She showed the ULTIMATE grace under pressure and looked like a star of sorts unlike we have seen in years.

Much like the heroine in her winning video's song that she writes about, "You Belong With Me", we all were rooting for her, as she was, for just a moment, the underdog and had to reclaim her prize.
Cinderella's bubble burst before our eyes. And then with Beyonce's graciousness as a VMA fairy godmother of sorts at the end of the evening, we got to see that same bubble somehow seam itself together just as quickly as it had burst.
A standing ovation was given, hearts melted, tears shed and a new fan base was born.
She is officially accepted, embraced and celebrated fully by the MTV community.

I've heard a few people complain before that Taylor Swift is "too nice" and "too thankful".
A few of my friends in the industry have said "she just acts like every little thing is the best thing she's ever had in the whole world", "that it gets tiring to be that overly gracious all the time".
Well, excuse her youthful exuberance!! Pardon her lack of jadedness and absence of blase affectation that so many young stars and musicians seem to embody.
How much sweeter would the world be if every 19 year old had the graciousness, manners, and wide-eyed excitement that Taylor has?

She's young and she's real and she's just a bit "too" eager - which gives her the edge over everyone else.
But most of all, she's relatable.
I've watched her and been so impressed and delighted since "Tim McGraw" was released as a single in 2006.
I heard it and thought, "that's pure nostalgia and magic disguised as a song".
And the minute she opened her music, her heart, and her world via myspace, twitter, etc., a star bigger than a star was born.
She's paving the way in this new social networking forum.
And while everybody sits back and thinks, "Isn't she cute?",
I look in awe and think, "Wow, what a businesswoman! What a writer! What a compassionate person! What a big heart!".
Those descriptions don't all always go together. In fact they rarely, if ever, do.

Nashville's music industry will constantly try to recreate her in various incarnations via other new artists, undoubtedly.
But you can't copy the real thing, as Coke used to say.
I can't wait to see what she does next because it's sure to be clever and I'm sure she'll be just as excited and just as appreciative as ever to be doing it.
May she keep that excited, inspired 19 year old inside her forever.
May we all. It would do our hearts some good.

Take care out there...

xoxo,
Dawn

Another great video blog from Taylor to her fans:

I guess we're all one phone call from our knees.

Snuggly Cuddly Cool?

Following the last blog I wrote, quite a few of you sent me messages - both men and women - saying how much that resonated with you.
Well, it warmed my heart.
I mean, my heart was fully baked.
So thank you for that.

It's interesting though.
There were actually two types of responses I received.
There was the aforementioned and then there was another type.
I was sent a lot of messages from people reassuring me that I am indeed "cool".
Or concerned messages that perhaps my self-esteem was not doing well.
One person even offered a therapist's number. (FYI, I might take you up on that later! I'll let you know).
But what's interesting is that the whole point is that I've embraced whole-heartedly that I'm not cool.
See, it's just not something I strive to be.

My brother told me once in a "heated discussion" that I "came out of the womb just wanting to LOVE everybody and be loved".
I was born into a family that was probably not as snuggly cuddly teddy bear'ish as I was. Of course, I don't know if there could be such a family. It's A LOT to handle.
I dare to say that my family is WAY cooler than I am.
I had no way to live up to the individual and collective coolness of the three other individuals in my family.
The snuggly cuddly, over-eager factor alone already had me out for the count.

But that description from my brother stuck with me and about 5 years ago, I read a quote that my dear, sweet young friend, Elena Loper, gave me.
I had never related to anything more and I thought my heart might burst right there upon reading it:

"I was born with an enormous need for affection, and a terrible need to give it." (Audrey Hepburn)

I couldn't believe that someone as graceful as Audrey Hepburn ever felt exactly as I have felt my entire life!!
How could someone so delicate and polite and fragile have THAT overwhelming need?
I was thrilled. I was not alone in this world.
There were others and I realized I would meet them along the way on my journey and I must say that I have and it has been such a snuggly cuddly joy.

No ice cream cone here...

"You look totally cool in those."
Now I KNOW not to trust this salesgirl.
I know she is lying.
She gave herself away.
See, I have never been cool a day in my life.
Sure, I may have seen shadows of "cool" in black & white photos when I have a bit of a tan and there's just the slightest blue hue to the pic.
Yes, there have been illusive flashes of cool.

But, no, this girl wants to sell the $200 jeans I have tried on in a weak moment and she doesn't care what I look like in them.
Then, as though she senses a weakness, she looks at me with an insincere, but really big smile and says, "You look REALLY skinny. I promise."
I peel off those jeans as fast as I can say, "Thank you so much for your help" and I'm out the door of the all too hip (and a little rich for my blood) boutique.

See, I'm not "skinny".
I've never been "skinny" and I don't want to be "skinny".
And anyone who tells me that I am "skinny" is lying.
I'm not cool either.
I've never been cool and I've never wanted to be cool.
Well maybe I did for a few fleeting moments, but those have passed along with the need for designer brands and the need to look like anyone else.

I am neither skinny nor cool and I am all the happier for it.
I am curvy and sweet -- and not curvy in that "starlet of the moment curvy way"--but truly curvy.
And I find it makes me unique in a place where you often really do hear people say, "You really can never be too rich or too thin."
Oh, I beg to differ.

You CAN be too rich and you CAN be too thin.
I have met victims of both and it is not pleasant, people.
So you can have your cool and skinny, on an ice cream cone, any old day.
I'll just be me --- a room temperature pastel meringue--and I wouldn't have it any other way.

The Best Gift I Ever Received: "After A While..."

What a day!
Ups, downs, middles, birthday celebrations, wedding celebraitons, champagne buzz, low blood sugar, heartaches, laughter and tears.

On days like these, I always find myself finding my the best gift I was ever given and seeking it for comfort and advice.
May you also find comfort, strength and support in it during your moments of need
*
The best gift I ever received was given to me by my mother.

It was Christmas Day 1995.

I was sitting on the stairs of our new townhouse she had bought following her long-overdue divorce with my father.

I carefully unwrapped the package, making sure not to tear the paper. That alone was rare - usually I'd just tear right through!
I couldn't figure out what this was.
But it was heavy.
When I finally had it unwrapped and had laid the pretty paper aside, I saw in my hands, a bubblegum pink tome of a book, "Miss Manners: A Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior".
I laughed. I immediately loved it.
I mean it was pink. DING. Bubblegum pink at that. DING DING. And it was a 745 page book about good manners and being nice. DING DING DING.

Already, I was won over. I ran over to Mom and hugged and kissed her. I felt so proud of this woman who had recently recovered from: the aforementioned divorce, living with my father for 29 years AND Interconnective Tissue Disease (which is a combo deal of Lupus of Rheumatoid Arthritis"). My Nanny (my Mom's Mom) was there too and there was such a peace to her that Christmas - like, "Okay, now my baby girl is happy and on her own and all is good in the world".
Unbeknownst to us, at the time, it would be her last Christmas.

When I was hugging my Mom, she asked me, "Did you look inside?"
I told her I hadn't and she told me that I really should.
Inside was the best present I have ever been given.

I had found a quote, a small piece of prose, years before at age 13 that I had just fallen in love with:

After a while you learn
that even sunshine burns
if you get too much
so you plant your own garden
and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone
to bring you flowers.

I was hooked.
I had told my Mom, "If you ever find the poet or whole poem that this belongs to, please buy it or cut it out of the periodical for me.
I said that knowing that it would be lost in time. And I forgot...after a while, myself.

Now, 5 years later, that poem was written HERE in my Mother's beautiful cursive handwriting on the inside front PINK pages of this book that would become one of my most prized possessions.
She had inscribed:

To Dawn, My Southern Sweetheart and My Southern Belle,
here is everything you need to know about "Correct Behavior".
May all your dreams come true!
You're already the most gracious Southern Lady I know.

Love and Kisses,
Mom
Christmas 95

Then on the second page was this treasure:

After A While

After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul and you learn that love doesn't mean leaning and company doesn't always mean security.

And you begin to learn
that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises
and you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of woman, not the grief of a child
and you learn
to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground is
too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down
in mid-flight.

After a while you learn
that even sunshine burns
if you get too much
so you plant your own garden
and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone
to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure
you really are strong
you really do have worth
and you learn
and you learn
with every goodbye, you learn...

Veronica A. Shoffstall, copyright 1971

Love you the whole wide world
and back again,
Mom
*

Are you out of oil?

"Everybody needs to be using an oil on their face at night. I know I've been saying it for years. But it makes such an incredible difference. There's your random thought of the day."

That's what started a rapid fireball response on facebook and in my email account. Friends, my mom/ cousins/second cousins/friends from college/ sorority sisters/elementary school friends/friends' mothers/ aunts/ their coworkers/ their church friends/ their fellow Junior League members wanting to know more, asking questions, making comments/ suggestions, etc.

It really intrigued me because I realized women (and men) really have questions and opinions about this and want to know more.
I have been a BIG proponent of oil for a LONG time.
Like since I was 13.
I never been oil-free.
I mean I'm naturally oil-free and it drives me BATTY!! I oil up before bed like most women lather up shampoo.
I fall asleep putting oil on my face and loved ones have had to wake me up. They think it's cute.
Weird. But cute.
It's just something I do, like brushing my teeth, because I think I always knew that oil-free just was not the answer. Not for me at least.

Look at anyone over 6o who you think has gorgeous skin.
Look around their eyes, their mouth.
Ask if they're oily. Either they will say yes. Or they will tell you that it's genes, that they used a thick cold cream since they were 12 or that they currently use SOMETHING with oil in it.

If you have oil in your skin, you will age more slowly. You will have fewer lines.
It is that simple.
Well, assuming you're not smoking a pack (or more a day) and adding baby oil to your naturally dewy skin so that you can fake & bake.

So what do those of us do who were not blessed by the angel with the oil wand?
We do it ourselves.
We oil.
It's simple. It's natural. It's fast. It can be super cheap. It FEELS GOOD.
And it's been done for centuries.
Don't ask me why our last few generations stopped doing it.
It has never made any sense to me.

So if you want the fastest way to beautiful skin - no gimmicks, no stupid surgery, no fake stuff.
Go lube up.
Oil your face and go to bed.
It'll be the nicest thing you ever did for yourself and you'll think me later.

If you have oil in your skin, you will age more slowly. You will have fewer lines.
Yes, it really IS that simple.
*
So I was asked on facebook and in a few emails: "What kind of oil? And what kind for dry skin? What if I have oily skin?" Obviously these were separate questions.
These are great questions.
And I have answers.

*Little disclaimer here. The answers, advice and suggestions I give here is solely from my experience and from trying out hundreds of various products on myself, friends, family and clients. I am not a dermatologist or doctor of any kind. I just want to see folks take better care of their skin and hopefully, enjoy it a bit while doing it.*

Oh, the possibilities. I have my own mix I use and love but until I've developed it for mass consumption (soon, I hope!) and am marketing it, here are a few of my faves that I've found:

*For DRY Skin*
1) I LOVE the Darphin 8 Nectar Aromatic Oil ($$$$ pricey at $160) but amazing & super rich if you're UBER dry like me)

2) Caudalie Moisturizing Concentrate ($$ reasonable at $39 & GREAT for dry skin, usually the first oil I recommend for everyone who is dry). Oh--and here's a great trick with all of the Caudalie concentrates: KEEP THE BOTTLE WHEN YOU'VE USED IT ALL. DON'T THROW IT AWAY! Every Caudalie oil/concentrate comes in great packaging with this perfect little dropper where you can control exactly how much you want with no mess, spillage or leakage. So when it's empty, if you love it, buy another one and use the bottle for another product. Or if you decide to try another oil, pour that oil into the Caudalie bottle. I have yet to find better product packaging for any oil.

3) I also like Darphin Jasmine Aromatic Oil for Mature skin ($$$ at $105) and

4) Darphin Myrrh Aromatic Oil for Dry skin ($$$ at $80)

*For NORMAL/COMBO/MOST SKIN TYPES:
1) I heart the Caudalie Energizing Concentrate ($$ again at $39) PARABEN FREE
2) Trader Joe's Vitamin E Oil ($ ridiculously cheap at $5.99) - No I'm not kidding. And this stuff is really, really good.
If you're on a budget and who isn't today, run out to Trader Joe's and buy one. Oh, you don't live near one? Call a friend and have them send it to you. Offer to pay $5 extra. Whatever. It's worth it. It basically is just Vitamin E oil, Soybean oil and Coconut oil. It is NOT sticky like your mama's Vitamin E oil was. This is silky, lovely and hydrating.
This is the oil I usually recommend to someone when they're a little dubious of this whole "oil" scam. They think it's going to break them out and tell me that their dermatologist has told them to always use "oil free" products, yada yada yada. Okay, that's swell, just go spend $5.99 and try a few drops and see if your skin doesn't feel less tight, look at least 50% better, and if people aren't telling you how great and well-rested you look.
3) Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil ($$$ at $60) - This is perfect for those of you who love department store brands and want to know where your oil is coming from. It's Bobbi Brown. It's rich but not so rich that it's like the Darphin.
I would however, recommend pouring it into a dropper bottle because it can get a little messy.
It's a great basic oil of sesame, olive, almond and jojoba.
A great starter oil that you will probably stick with for life.
I would recommend it for Normal to Dry.

4) I also like Darphin Rose Oil ($$$$ at $80) for all skin types

*For OILY Skin*
I know, I know. Oil for oily skin? This makes no sense.
Actually, it makes all the sense in the world.
If you don't use any oil on your oily skin, the oil glands will actually be stimulated to produce more oil (the glands think they need to compensate for the lack of oil).
So, how do you avoid clogging your pores while using this kind of "oillogic"?
Use the right kinds of oil that will help to balance oily skin...
which I want you to, from this moment forward, view as A GIFT!!!
1) Caudalie Purifying Concentrate ($$ at $39) I won't lie. It smells a little bit like a fresh wood cleaner (a la Pledge) with all of the lemongrass, carrot, grapeseed, catnip, and hazelnut. But its claim to purify and reduce oils in the skin is not just a claim, it's true.
2) Darphin Niaouli Aromatic Oil ($$$ at $80) It purifies and eliminates blemishes and blackheads and reduces large pores (who doesn't love that?) with the antiseptic essential oil of Niaouli.
It then clarifies AND hydrates with lemon while soothing with antiseptic lavender.

*For Sensitive/Special Condition Skin Types*
1) Darphin Chamomile Aromatic oil ($$$ at $80) soothes and protects with oils of chamomile, sage, horse chestnut, jojoba, ruscus and with aloe vera.
2) Darphin Tangerine Aromatic oil ($$$ at $80) perfect for someone who wants to prevent premature aging and wants to use an oil rather than a serum. This would be a great starter "anti-aging" regimen. With oils of Tangerine, Jojoba, Apricot, Orange and Carrot Essential Oils; Plus Vitamins C and E, this is nutrition for the skin to keep it as youthful and glowing as possible.
*
Okay, pick an oil, buy it.
Wash your face at bedtime, pat dry.
Keep the oil next to your bed so as not to forget.
Put a few drops of your chosen oil on your lovely visage.
Apply your moisturizer on top, if so desired.
And...

Night night!

Wake up to your dewy, glowing, and GORGEOUS best YOU!
No makeup needed. Natural skin is the most beautiful.
Thank God.

Oh...and if you have any questions while oiling up by the oil-burning lamp, I'll be up late myself;
most likely falling asleep reading THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE while applying my oil to my face. Don't hesitate to email or comment on my blog or facebook me.
I'll get right back to you as soon as I'm properly oiled and fully awake again.

Take care out there...especially of that gorgeous skin!

xoxo,
Dawn

Get your crock-pot out, chickadee! It's SPICY CHICK time!

Yummylicious!!!!!!!!
So, I just created a yum, yummy, yummylicious recipe today that's super easy and we enjoyed it thoroughly for dinner!
I'm calling it "Spicy Chick".
I know, I know - it sounds boring.
But, it's not and it's super, super duper easy.
So I thought I'd share on here for all you Barbies & Kens who need an easy recipe.

I mean, folks, we're talking Crock-Pot cooking here.
You know, that thing that sits on your shelf. The BACK shelf.
You know, the appliance that you either bought and declared:
"I will use this all the time and become Julia Child" and have never used it - except to make those cocktail weenies that one time for some Superbowl party you didn't want to host anyway.
Or maybe you were given it as a gift, by your concerned mother, who saw your 25 takeout boxes and thought that this was the match.com equivalent of cooking for you.
Ah, nirvana!

No, I'm serious.
It's crock pot cooking time, chicks & roosters.
And we're cooking up some chicken.
Some Spicy Chick.
Here's the recipe and I'm attaching a photo and you can't fail.

So plug that sucker in, pour a glass of wine (or a mimosa if it's pre-noon at the moment), and get cooking.
Make your Mama proud and put those cocktail weenies to shame!!!

Spicy Chick
(Dawn McCoy)

Prep Time: 6-8 hours (we're talking time in the crock-pot while you're away)

Actual hands-on prep time: 15 mins top!!!!

Serves: 4 or you will have FABULOUS leftovers to go with tortillas, eggs, rice & more!

Cooking Spray
4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves or 1 pckg skinless boneless chicken breast tenders 1 package reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix 1 cup Thick & Chunky salsa
3 tbsp. (or to your liking) HOT Jalapenos (Nacho sliced)
2 tblsp. HOT Jalapeno juice (from jar) 2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tsp water
1/2 cup 2% sharp cheddar cheese 1/2 cup light sour cream

Directions:
1) Spray that magical crockpot with cooking spray.
2) Lay the raw, uncooked chicken breasts/tenders on the bottom of the pot.
3) Sprinkle the Taco Seasoning on top of uncooked chicken.
4) Top with salsa.
5) Top with Jalapenos
6) Top with Jalapeno juice.
7) Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
8) When ready to serve, in separate bowl, stir the 2 tbsp. cornstarch with 1 tsp. water.
9) Add the cornstarch mixture into crockpot.
10) Add in the cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
11) Stir in the sour cream.

You will notice while the chicken is cooking, throughout the day, that it gets EXTREMELY tender and begins to shred itself. It cooks perfectly and just turns out beautifully.
Really, this requires no talent, little effort and no attention.
Put it in and leave. Your chicken cooks itself.
Return, add the last few ingredients.
Cook up some rice (I prefer some Spanish Brown rice) and layer the bowl with the shredded chicken goodness topped with a layer of rice and then another layer of chicken goodness.
Then put a dollop of sour cream on top and top that with a jalapeno - just for flair!
Toss up a little Taco salad with it so you can get your veggies in, peeps!

It would also be great made a la taco style. Grab some tortillas, lettuce and tomato and Yum!
Serve it with an ice cold cerveza or your favorite bottle of wine or root beer and voila!!
It's a done deal.
You've made yourself some Spicy Chick or if you're a dude, maybe you've made some spicy chick for your favorite spicy chick or rooster.

Okay, enjoy and please feel free to share your experiences and pics with me!

Take care out there....

xoxo,
Dmc

Love Letter To My New Book

Dear New Book,

I realize we're starting a committed, short-term relationship here.
Before I flip the cover open and really, fully commit, I just wanted to get off on the right page with you.

I look forward to:
taking many bubble baths together, falling asleep and accidentally drowning you in the aforementioned bubble baths(sorry in advance!) and having to lay you outside to dry;
quiet nights with just you, me and a glass of wine (or 2 or 3 depending on what you have to offer me), drifting off to sleep with you on my chest and jerking myself awake because I refuse to let myself believe that I'm really that lame a date, and forgetting to turn out the bedside lamp because your words lulled me to sleep so skillfully if you're any good in the bedroom at all.

I also know that one day our relationship will end as it will be time for me to find another book to take baths with, get into bed with and help me magically fall asleep.
While I can't promise that I won't love the next book more than you, I can promise that every day we have together will be a unique relationship unto itself.
And when that day comes, I know that you too will find another pair of loving hands , to rest in, who will have a whole new way of appreciating you that I could not.
See, baby, I try to recycle if the baths didn't kill you or your good looks.
Maybe the nails won't be nail-bitten and maybe they won't clumsily drop you in water or smear their face cream on you to the point where your words are almost unreadable.
But they won't be me, and alas, there will never be another like you.

Who is to say whether this will be lasting love, severe dislike or just plain apathy?
We can't.
So we must begin this journey with one promise.
(Book in hand):
I promise to enjoy you with an open heart, an open mind and as awake as I can possibly be when I am in a very hot bath or a very comfy bed.


xoxo,


Dmc

One of the Most Important Things I Ever Learned Was In Dance Class...And I was a TERRIBLE Dance Student

I told someone the other day that I took dance for 9 years and I felt like a liar.
I mean I wasn't lying.
I did take dance for 9 years - ballet & tap for 7 and jazz as well for 2 of those.
But I am no ballerina.
That last sentence just made me laugh out loud, in fact.
The truth is...
I was never a good dance student.
I was not naturally gifted at movement nor was I graceful. In fact, I can assure you that my family still laughs at the association of the word "graceful" with my name.
However, I can't help but look back now on all of those Tuesday-Thursday dance classes I took for 9 years and think of how much 2 things stand out still today: the birthday-cake like, ornate beautiful costumes...
and STRETCHING.

I think everybody takes something from all the things they try when they're young.
You just have to.
Because if you're an inquisitive kid, you'll try a lot - either in a classroom or on your own "in the field".
And the lessons learned, the progress made, the times you fell down
(in my case, literally, ALL the times I fell down and in a few cases had to get stitches, thank you very much)--are what you are left with.
Juicy morsels of what you accidentally learned while NOT becoming a prima ballerina or a star athlete or an Olympic ice skater.

So, yes, I learned how crucial STRETCHING is.
I say stretching because I realize now how important stretching is on both a physical and emotional level. In dance class, we began every class with a series of stretching exercises and oh-how I hated it!
It hurt.
It wasn't comfortable!
It didn't feel like my limbs were supposed to do those things.
But, physically, stretching is meant to keep you strong and limber and it does.
And as you grow up, you realize that stretching is important emotionally too. You have to be willing to bend, to open your heart and mind, learn new things, and be flexible - both for yourself and for others. But sometimes it hurts and it's uncomfortable and it doesn't feel like it's supposed to feel like this.
I really wish I had continued to start every day with stretching. I think that might be why so many people pick up yoga and Pilates and calisthenics as they get older.
We remember that we used to stretch! Whether it was in a dance class or on a playground or for soccer or football or cheerleading or what have you.
I now stretch almost every day. Personally, I like Pilates. But it doesn't mean that it doesn't hurt sometimes. Because sometimes it hurts and is uncomfortable and can be challenging.
But I'm glad I do it because I know I'm better off for it now and I know I'll be thanking myself for it when I'm 90.
And probably when I'm 90, I'll look back and realize the lessons I'm learning now.
I'll tell you, though, it's hard when you're stretching through it.
But I remember Miss Paula telling me to exhale on the stretch and inhale on the release.
Ah, yes, much better...

On the Day Before Earth Day, I....

killed a snake.
A BIG snake!
Well, I've never killed a snake! So, forgive me, if I consider it a life-altering event.
I also find it paradoxical that I had to kill this HUGE snake (it gets bigger every time I think about it) yesterday - the day before Earth Day.
Any of you who know me at all, know that I am not a killer. I am not even one who injures.
I am overly sensitive when it comes to others.
So I realize I may be judged here.
But I plead self-defense & third party defense (is there even such a thing)?

I opened the door to let out Miss Ellie (my 5.7 lb Maltese) and she barks and there is a snake - A HUGE, HUGE snake coiled about 2 inches from her face.
Not good at all.
Then, it decided to come inside where there's A/C to visit with me.
Uh uh - NOT gonna happen, my reptilian friend (or foe as it came to be).

It got in the door and I'm embarrassed to admit, I actually thought, "What am I going to do? I can't live with this snake!"
Then instinct kicked in when Miss Ellie came in.
A big board was right by the door and I killed it ("it" being the HUGEST snake you ever saw).
I'll spare you the details of how long that took. Terrible.
However, there IS a moral here. I promise.
And it isn't just that I thought of a great sequel for Samuel Jackson:
"SNAKES IN A MOTHERF***IN' HOUSE"!!!

No, what I learned is this. Now that I've done it, I know I can. So, I felt & feel strong and a little like Wonder Woman or at least like Kelly Garrett on Charlie's Angels or something.
Of course, my mom said, "I'm proud of you, honey, but you children never grew up on a farm. We had to kill tons of them in the cotton fields". Well, no. I spent a lot of time of my Nanny & Papaw's farm, but, they would have had that snake before I would have even seen it. They were magical snake warriors like that!

But by "simply" exterminating a snake that invaded my home and just doing something that terrified me, I feel like I could pretty much do anything required of me.
Why am I just figuring that out?
Oh, I always knew. But I think sometimes we forget. You know, if you haven't been tested in a while or if someone's there to take the test for you, you get a little rusty on those "Wonder Woman/ basic survival 101" skills.
So I'm glad I passed the snake test with flying colors!
Yuck. Bad choice of words.
Sorry 'bout that one.
So here's to all of the Wonder Women, Charlie's Angels, and Supermen out there and all of us who need reminding that we have superheroes inside us and they've been there all along!

p.s. I PROMISE that this is the ONLY time you will see a picture of a snake on here. But think of it as symbolic. Really, it is...

"Dawn's Guide to Life" - I didn't even know I had one until I found it!!

Last week I opened one of my songwriting notebooks from 2007 only to find something I didn't even know I was looking for.
Written in blue magic marker on a pink sheet of paper, I found "Dawn's Guide To Life".
I didn't even know I had a "guide to life"! I laughed to myself and thought "oh, this oughtta be good"!
You know what? It was. But not in the sarcastic way I thought.
It's EXACTLY what I needed to read at that exact moment and it was written by me, no less.
I love finding new books, quotes and theories, written by people from all walks of life, that inspire me. So to find something that inspired me that I had written and didn't even recall was well, a little gift.
It was a little like finding a time capsule, that you didn't remember burying when you were 7 years old, and unearthing it when you're planting a new flower bed.
Anyway, I've already shared it with a couple of you, but, I decided I needed to share it with anyone else who might benefit from it too! I'm even putting it on both of my blogs!
I hope you enjoy! Some of the thoughts are my own, some are from friends and some are general knowledge but I like them all together like this.
And please add on if you have any "guides to life" yourself! We're all learning as we go...

Dawn's Guide To Life
1. Never doubt yourself.
2. Always trust your 1st instinct - it's usually best & rarely wrong.
3. Ask for what you want and believe you shall receive.
4. What would the 3 year old you, 13 year old you, &/or 23 year old you think of ____________ (who you are, how you treat people, whatever you're doing, or what you're trying to decide) now?
5. Progress is better than perfection.
6.You will do more for yourself than anyone else will ever do for you.
7. Don't be tentative - EVER!!
8. I BELIEVE IN YOU!! (even when it might feel like no one else does)
9.You have a purpose and a calling in this place. Do it or if you don't know yet, find it!
10. You are GOOD, life is GOOD & God/ the Universe is GOOD, thus expect that GOOD will come to you!

Now if I can only practice what I preach, er, write to myself.
Well, you know what they say, practice makes perfect. Ahem, I MEAN
Practice makes progress!

This is Your Time

For everyone out there who is wondering if they should try for their dream, keep going for their dream or give up their dream. This is for you...

This is Your Time

Sometimes right when you're ready

to give up,

to toss in the towel-

and to head in a new direction,

you're given that chance.

That elusive BIG BREAK.

And if you'd left just a moment sooner or

given up just a month earlier,

you would have missed it.

But you persisted.

You resisted -

the norm,

the fear,

the doubt.

That is what makes you strong.
Has made the naysayers wrong.

Makes you right

As you put up the good fight.

And now is your time to claim your reward.

So keep your head held high,

eyes looking forward.

Knowing that this is just the beginning

for the road was just bending.

Time to lose what you left behind

And embrace what you're meant to find.

On this new road,

that you could have missed-

almost missed-

But didn't.

Because this is YOUR time.

- Dawn McCoy

3/15/09

The Beautiful You Headquarters is Alive!

Hi guys,


I am very excited to announce that http://beautifulyouhq.com/ is alive as of today!!


So please visit, check out what it's all about, and sign up for "Beautiful You Daily Boosts".


You will be so happy you did!


The first Boost is being sent out on March 13th so sign up!


Also, check out the Beautiful You blog!





Have a beautiful day!





xoxo


Dawn

How do I get THERE from HERE?

How do I get THERE from HERE?
If you only knew how many times a day I ask myself this question!
Oh, it might disguise itself in a million different ways, but it's always the same question.
I love this quote "Our job is not to figure out the how, the how will show up out of commitment and belief in the what." (Jack Canfield)

That doesn't mean I don't constantly try to figure out the how.
But I'm working on letting go and believing and I've gotten a lot better at that.
So, how do you get THERE from HERE without figuring out all the how details?
You might be in one job but really want to be promoted to another one.
Or maybe you're working a job and want to have a completely different career altogether.
Maybe it's changing schools or getting out of a relationship.
Maybe you've been living in the same home for years and you really want to move into a new place.
Maybe you're living in a city or town and really feel the need to move to a new city or - maybe even a new country!
You just don't know how realistically you can get THERE from where you are, HERE, now.

It's hard to see how all the little pieces will fit together.
You want to make them fit together.
I mean, that's how I feel, at least.
But I know it's never worked that way.
So I remember another quote that I love, love, love and should definitely practice more often:

"Make up your mind what you want to be and what you want to do, then take every path that might lead in that direction. Let everyone know what you want so they can help you. And they will. Be definite and determined. After a while, they see you are determined and you're going to do it, and they will help you because they want to be part of it. "
(Hank Cochran, songwriter, "I Fall To Pieces", "She's Got You" , "Ocean Front Property" & many more)

No one ever got what they wanted by keeping it a little secret in their heart.
Sometimes, you get by with a little help from your friends...and in some cases, the help of friends of friends, and the kindness of strangers as well.
All you need to see is HERE (where you are now) and THERE (where you want to be) and things tend to fall in line as they're meant to.
I'm sure hoping they will - with a lot of effort, a lot of faith, a lot of spirit, and some help from those who believe in the beauty of our dreams.
Here's to getting there!!!

Take care out there....

Dawn
xoxo

Dawn McCoy: Lullaby

Dawn McCoy: Lullaby

Lullaby

I am writing a lullaby.
Am I making a children's album, you might ask?
Well, no.
Not yet.
Not today, at least.
Someday soon, perhaps.

But as for this lullaby, here's the deal.
This song has been spinning around in my head for months.
I only call it a lullaby because it does 2 things: it's pleasant and it soothes me.
Now, the actual definition of a lullaby is: a quiet, gentle song sung to send a child to sleep.
Well, I'm not trying to fall asleep and I'm not a child.
But, I do sing this to myself when I just need to calm the nerves a little bit or just need a little reminder that the world is a good place.

I think that adults NEED lullabies. We need a song every now and then just to say "Shhhhh, you're just fine. Take a breath. You're gonna be okay."
Especially today. There's not a lot of lulling going on in these times. More like a lot of jarring.
So I recommend you adopt a lullaby. One that comforts you in these times.
I highly recommend the appropriately named "Lullaby" by the Dixie Chicks.
Every man, woman, child, baby, and/or animal I know calms down within the 1st minute of this song.
Try it. You'll see what I mean.

A lullaby is a little luxury that we all deserve in these troubled times.
So find one, take a listen to it when that proverbial wolf is at the door or just when you need a little cuddle of comfort.
And I'll be working on getting this one finished so I can share my lullaby with you.

Be gentle with yourself,

Dawn
xoxo

Tomorrow is Today

I can't believe that tomorrow is THE DAY!!
I am so excited about Barack Obama's inauguration.
But what is even more amazing to me, and I'm sure this is lost on no one, is that it follows Martin Luther King, Jr. day.
It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes which just so happens to have been spoken by Martin Luther King, Jr.:

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase,
just take the first step."
(Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)

That's what we did as voters, and as Americans, leading up to and on November 4th, 2008.
Voting is an incredible act of faith. One of the biggest acts of faith! Right up there with love in terms of using your senses to the best of your ability without knowing how it's gonna turn out.

It requires believing in a candidate so much that you entrust them with this country.
We have taken the first step in faith and now the staircase is before us.
And, my-oh-my, does this staircase look daunting if we look at it from the bottom step.
A step could be missing or loose. What if we miss one on the way up?
But mostly it scares us because we can't see that top step.
We have no guarantee as to where this first step is going to take us.

We are so blessed though to be able to take that first step together as a nation and with such a strong, intelligent, kind leader lighting the path ahead.
I can't wait to see where this staircase is going to take our country.
I know one thing for certain: I will be there, full of faith, every step of the way shining any light I can on that upward climb.



*My prayers & good thoughts go out to President-elect Obama & his family...


Take care out there,

Dawn
xoxo

"Two Out of Three Ain't Bad" on BBC Radio 2 Bob Harris's Country show

Hi there,

I hope you're having a sweet Winter night out there ... hopefully staying warm with a cup of cocoa!
I just wanted to let you know that legendary British broadcaster
Bob Harris premiered my new single "Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad" on
his BBC Radio 2 show which is his Country Program of the week. I am as pleased as peach pie!

"Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad" is the second song from my new debut
album "Sweet Time" to be featured prominently on Mr. Harris's two BBC
shows. This one's my take on the hit song from Meat
Loaf's seminal 1977 album "Bat Out Of Hell". It has always been one of my favorites and I wanted to do it with my heart out there on the line intertwined with Jim Steinman's heart-wrenching lyrics.

My take on it is more countrified than the original Todd
Rundgren-produced version -- featuring the pedal steel guitar magic of
the great Lloyd Green. The song's writer, Jim Steinman, has said he
always intended for it to be a country ballad, evoking "the dusty
plains of Texas" -- and since I am a native Texan, I'd like to think we really captured that.

"Whispering" Bob gave a lot of love to Nashville artists on this
week's show, playing Lee Ann Womack's "Last Call" (one of my favorite country songs of the past decade), Steve Forbert's "It Doesn't Matter Much" and Josh Turner's "Long Black Train" -- as well as my good friends and East Nashville neighbors Eric Brace & Peter
Cooper's stellar version of Kevin Gordon's "Down To The Well", from
their fantastic new album "YOU DON'T HAVE TO LIKE THEM BOTH".
My producer and co-writer, Chris Richards also got a pretty amazing compliment from Bob on air as the "IMMACULATE Chris Richards" for having produced "Two Out Of Three
Ain't Bad". Not too shabby, Nashville!! Not too shabby at all!!

If you'd like, you can listen back to the one-hour show on the BBC
Radio 2 website by clicking the "Listen Again To This Show" button
located here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/bobharriscountry/

In a bit of full-circle-dom, Mr. Harris has been credited with
propelling Meat Loaf into the public consciousness via his iconic,
influential TV show "The Old Grey Whistle Test". Here's hoping for a
little repeat luck...

Have a great night out there. And as always, thank you for your support, encouragement, and sweetness!

Take care out there,

Dawn

My newly launched website:

www.DawnMcCoy.net

BUY SWEET TIME at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Time-Dawn-McCoy/dp/B001O4Q35M/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1231307444&sr=8-1

Or Buy SWEET TIME at Itunes:

http://ax.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/browserRedirect?url=itms%253A%252F%252Fax.itunes.apple.com%252FWebObjects%252FMZStore.woa%252Fwa%252FviewAlbum%253Fid%253D296695762%2526s%253D143441

***********************************************************************************
Join my Facebook Friends:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dawn-McCoy/25484855932

Visit me on myspace at:

http://www.myspace.com/dawnmccoy


Other links you should check out:

www.ChrisRichards.com

www.Facebook.com/pages/Chris-Richards/20200535618

www.MySpace.com/ChrisRichardsMusic

Peter Cooper & Eric Brace:
"You Don't Have To Like Them Both"
available at www.RedBeetRecords.com


Kevin Gordon ~ www.KevinGordon.net

Welcome to Dawn's Diary & Dish!!

Hellooooo out there!
Welcome to a little taste of what's going on in my world.
Our world.
A slice of life, if you will.
So, what will we cover here? What will we not cover here?
Of course, my #1 priority will be what's going on with my debut album, SWEET TIME (news, reviews, shows, radio plays, YOUR THOUGHTS).
Then we've got to cover any other news going on with my songwriting & any questions you guys send in (I already have some - keep 'em coming).
Next, I'm gonna cover the status of the "Beautiful You" movement based on my song of the same name / the progress of the www.beautifulyouhq.com website, blog, and daily " Beautiful You Boost" emails.
That's a few blogs on its own!
Then we've got pictures, recipes, Dawnisms, news about friends, and anything else that might pop into my head and might seem "blog-worthy".
So, yes, there might be a few tangents. In fact, there are 3 things I can guarantee you right now:

1) I will definitely go off on tangents occasionally
2) You will definitely get to know me A LOT better and
3) There is gonna be a lot of fun had on here!

So without further ado, I give you...

My Diary & Dish !

xoxo,
Dmc


My newly launched website:

www.DawnMcCoy.net


Join my Facebook Family:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dawn-McCoy/25484855932

Visit me on myspace at:

http://www.myspace.com/dawnmccoy


*************************************************************************************
BUY SWEET TIME at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Time-Dawn-McCoy/dp/B001O4Q35M/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1231307444&sr=8-1

Or Buy SWEET TIME at Itunes:

http://ax.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/browserRedirect?url=itms%253A%252F%252Fax.itunes.apple.com%252FWebObjects%252FMZStore.woa%252Fwa%252FviewAlbum%253Fid%253D296695762%2526s%253D143441

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