Andrea Hylen

January 26, 2010

I had an incredible trip down memory lane a few days ago. When I was 13, my family lived in Minnesota and my grandparents lived in San Jose, CA. My sister, Joanne, age 11 and I were invited to fly to California to spend a few weeks with them. We flew into San Diego and drove to San Jose. Along the way, we toured and visited the San Diego Zoo, Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and a little town called Solvang.

The trip was a dangling carrot to do well in school and to get all A’s and B’s on our report cards. When the final report cards came, I had a C in one of my classes. How could my parents tell my grandparents that the trip was cancelled? We didn’t see them very often and the details and airline tickets were all set. My parents went to Plan B. I was required to write a report about my California trip. It was truly a blessing in disguise.

I am pausing at the keyboard for a moment because I just realized that that was a foundational piece for what I am doing now. On that trip, I took pictures, and collected brochures, pictures, ticket stubs, placemats and even sugar packets. I learned to observe and record everything. I still have the scrapbook and report. I have read it numerous times keeping the details and memories alive.

Fast forward to the present, Hannah and I took our cats to the Santa Barbara area to meet the potential foster couple, Richard and Emrita. The closest town with a hotel that was pet friendly and affordable was in Buellton. It was an additional 30 minutes from Santa Barbara, a beautiful drive through windy roads, along the ocean and through the hills. I had reserved the hotel on-line and was following the directions. When we pulled into the town, I had a flashback memory and told Hannah that I had been here before. I didn’t remember all of the details of this sleepy town, but I remembered Andersen’s Restaurant. This was the same restaurant where I had saved sugar packets and a placemat for my scrapbook. This was the restaurant where I ate split pea soup with my grandparents and Joanne before entering the town of Solvang, a Danish town where we spent the night. My grandfather was born in Sweden and traveled to the United States when he was 10. This was a town where I learned more about my heritage. Many similarities between Sweden and Denmark.

Once again on this journey I have been led to a place I visited as a child. The memories of my childhood are awakening something in me. I am looking at the places I am revisiting with fresh eyes. I remind myself to look deeper. Ask more internal questions. Listen for answers. And reflect on the magnificent orchestration that is happening. The more awake I live, the more I see, the more my ideas and perspective evolve.

Hannah and I ate at Andersen’s. I bought treats from the Danish bakery, took pictures, and walked through the town of Solvang, weaving new memories with the old.

The other story to tell you is the connection with the couple who is fostering my cats for awhile. They are incredible people, Emrita and Richard. They have five cats. Emrita is an angel. You can see that she has such a connection to nature and the animals. Such a calming energy. Richard has a radio show called, “Tell Me Your Story.” He is passionate about life and the guests and topics. Here is the link to his radio show: http://www.richarddugan.com/tmysradioshow.htm

I heard about Richard through my friend, Katy Manna (www.livewiththelightson.com) who was a guest on his show in January 2010.

I visited with Richard and Emrita for two hours. We talked about animals, nature, our love of the ever evolving world. Questioning where we are headed. I felt at home with them immediately.

Hannah and I are going back in a month or so. Richard will interview us on his radio show and we will see the cats.

I am delighted by the synchronicity that is unfolding.

Katy Manna helping me look for a home for my cats in Baltimore.
Katy Manna and Richard Dugan connecting on his radio show.
A discussion they had about animals and sharing about fostering cats.
Katy connecting Richard and me. Richard and Emrita saying Yes to fostering.
Needing a pet friendly hotel in the Santa Barbara area
Following an instinct to select a hotel 30 minutes past Santa Barbara.
Remembering the restaurant, Andersen’s and the memories of my childhood.

Awake, alive, curious, and Open to Inspiration.

Thanks to the Tucker Family: Shelly, Pete, Gaby, Ethan and Sammy for sponsoring the blog today.

For more information on sponsoring a blog go to www.livealifeworthcelebrating.com.

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July 7, 2009

Concert 10- Omaha, Nebraska

As I write this, I am sure that Hannah is laughing because I just acted totally like a teenager. I feel like I want to speak like a Valley Girl right now. Not that all teenagers talk like Valley Girls. I just feel like it would fit my mood.

Finding the venue and parking was relatively easy. A major road to the Qwest Center was closed and the detour signs ended without warning, but I used my navigational skills to find an alternative route.

The Qwest Center is so beautiful. It has all kinds of windows and a sleek curve to the top of the venue and art. Beautiful sculptures everywhere, like people in a circus, and mimes on stilts and big round geometric shapes. It is festive and modern and fun.

If you ever go there for a concert, the arena is on one side and the convention center is on the other. There seemed to be alot of confusion in the convention center. Look for the arena.

The Verizon Wireless staff that travels with the band was leading a contest to win meet and greet tickets with Honor Society. You had to do the honor roll, a dance to their song called, “See you in the Dark.” (I love this song!) Hannah entered the contest and was one of 30 people who won!

I went in search of the Will Call office to pick up our tickets. I was beginning to get frustrated because all of the ticket windows were closed and I couldn’t find anyone who knew anything about the location. There were groups of teens sitting on the floor everywhere and I figured I must have stumbled into the meet and greet and sound check waiting area. (I later found out that this was the convention center and the arena was on the other side.)

I decided to go outside again and see if anyone could help me. As I approached the doors to outside, the Wonder Girls walked through the doors. The Wonder Girls are a group of five young women from Korea. They are HUGE in Korea and China and Japan. Big, big stars. They have been traveling with the Jonas Brothers band since Portland. Their first single in the US was just released called, “Nobody.”

So, I see them entering the doors and I become totally star struck. I pause and I do a little jump up and down saying, “oh, oh, oh!” My brain goes numb. I don’t know what to do, just jump and oh, oh, and point. Finally I say, “You’re the Wonder Girls. I love you!” I go back into my numb state of bouncing. I think I was even clapping my hands.

They were so cute and were giggling. I could see that my star struck moment is making them happy. Finally, I ask if I can take their picture and they say yes, with more giggling.

One of their entourage took the picture of all of us. I kept telling them how wonderful they are and how many times I have seen them. As I walked away, I turned and did one of the steps to their song, “Nobody,” and they broke into more delight and giggles.

I was so excited, I ran out of the building to find Hannah and to tell her I met the Wonder Girls and go quickly because maybe she can meet them, too.

The doors were locked, but I pointed to where they were and I pointed to the door where I entered. She met with them and even took a a short video of them saying, Hi to Rosie, a friend of Hannah’s.

So, now I have pictures and met the Honor Society and the Wonder Girls. I hope that Hannah drives on the East Coast so I can have time to blog and finally upload pictures. I know the dance to “Nobody” and the Honor Roll dance to “See you in the dark.” I love dance routines to songs.

All of this happened before the concert. I had so much fun in this concert, too!

There were three girls behind me who have been viewing Hannah’s videos on YouTube. This was their first concert, ever, and they were here to have fun! There names are Abigail, Rachel and Kendra. That made it so much fun for me, too. I was sitting on the end of a row, and a Mom, Susan, with her two daughters was sitting next to me. She had spontaneously bought the tickets that day. She was born and raised in Nebraska, lives in Las Vegas right now and was visiting to help her parents move out of their home and into a retirement community in Texas.

We had great floor seats that night. The tickets were released the day before.

I has so much fun with Susan. We shared our philosophy about traveling and exposing our kids to as many opportunities as we can out into the world. We love our daughters, our family, and we both want to enjoy the ride of life. I think we were inspiring each other all night.

How perfect that this was the first concert where I was foamed. Well, I was foamed at another concert this summer, but it was only a few drops. During the concert, Kevin and Joe get into a mechanical arm contraption with huge foam shooters and they go around half of the crowd and shoot a watery foam at them. The Mom and I were laughing as the boys “flew” over us and then splat! A huge wave of foam came that covered everything! We were dripping wet with the stuff and laughing and laughing.

Susan and I hugged not once but twice and probably would have kept hugging each other but it was time to go. We had fun and the crowd was sweeping us into the after party called, “find your car, and weave into the traffic to go on home.” The fun and all that we had shared in that evening is still in my heart.

One more thing…Hannah won a kickball signed by the Jonas Brothers!

Thank you to my sponsor Evolutionary Women. www.evolutionarywomen.org

To find out more about sponsorship, go to www.livealifeworthcelebrating.com

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Concert # 7 –Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Hannah and I left Seattle early in the morning to drive to Everett, Washington. One of the Conscious Choices authors, Amanda Koh-Story 43, lives in the area and had arranged for a book discussion at a coffee house bookstore called The Gathering Grove. Steve is one of the owners of the bookstore.

His daughter Willow greeted me at the door with her Dad, Steve and brother, Rowan. We had a few lovely discussions about the store, the amazing people who come to the store and our connection to and love of Girl Scouts.

After two hours of great coffee and a conversation between Amanda and a woman named Nancy, I headed to the Canadian border.

Before crossing the border, we had a Burger King meal from the drive-thru, filled up the gas tank, called Verizon wireless to increase the mega, giga, something bytes on the wireless card and to check into our wireless service for making phone calls in Canada. After discovering that it will cost me 69 cents per minute I called my daughters, Mary and Liz and my sister, Joanne to let them know that I was not going to change the phone service just for a few days in Canada (at least not yet) and it would cost me 69 cents per minute for the next few days. I asked them to call if there is an emergency and I will listen to the voicemail.

All details checked off the list, we approached the border. We had our passports, including Hannah’s NEW passport! Yes! All is well. It was an easy, pleasant experience. We found out later that the Jonas Brother’s bus and equipment had a nine hour search and wait at the border. The concert started an hour and a half late due to the delay.

When we arrived in Vancouver, I felt wide-eyed, curious, and open to the adventure. It had been years since I had been in Canada. Immediately, I could feel differences in Canadian money and the exchange rate, food-what is potine?, clothing styles and yet, there were obvious similarities, too.

I saw a group of girls gathering with their friends to catch a glimpse of the Jonas Brothers. I saw fathers walking with their daughters and carrying posters that said, I love Nick! Or Joe or Kevin. There were girls with matching T-shirts and hats and other clothing. Intermittent screaming happened with the mention of the Jonas Brothers. And cars at red lights leaned out the window to ask why the crowd was gathering. When I responded with, “The Jonas Brothers are in town,” an instant smile and a nod of knowing who they are and why we would be gathering showed up on each face in the car.

I stood in a line with a mother, Leah, and her daughter, Isabel, age 6. With the delay of the concert, we spent almost two hours in line waiting to get into the concert. Isabel entertained us with her excitement about life. Leah and I compared notes on parenting and life. We found similarities between the places we live and our life philosophies. I enjoy these moments are the concerts.

The concert was one of the best I have ever seen. It was like every band, the Honor Society, Jordin Sparks, the Wonder Girls and the Jonas Brothers, was determined to give their best to make up for the delay in the concert.

The teens were close to being out of control the entire concert. The security guards were guiding girls back to their seats and away from the catwalk in almost every song. I say these next words with total respect and understanding and love for the teenagers. At times the girls were like a dog in heat and they just kept losing their minds!!! When one of the Jonas Brothers would come to our side of the stage, they would run in a massive group to the edge of the catwalk for a picture or a wave or…the ultimate…a touch of the hand. I even saw mothers doing this!!
Two tween-girls were sitting next to me. They had never been to a concert before and the impression from watching the Jonas 3-D movie was that they would be allowed to run to the catwalk and touch the boys and maybe even jump on stage with them. I encouraged them to enjoy the music and sing and dance and have a good time.

And as always, it was a great time!

Today’s Blog is Sponsored by Evolutionary Women
www.evolutionarywomen.org

For information about sponsoring the blog, go to www.livealifeworthcelebrating.com

June 24, 2009
Denver, Colorado- 3rd concert

There was a flow to the day. Hannah is now in the groove with answering a hundred questions a day to people from all around the world. I am observing and following my instinct to watch, listen and sometimes take action.

Today, Honor Society (the opening band for the Jonas Brothers was in the groove with the pre-party. Jordin Sparks has a new haircut (first seen in Tulsa), and a black dress, instead of white, for her song Battlefield that looked great. The few awkward moments on stage were cleaned up and choreographed beautifully. Oh, and several members of the back-up band had outfits that were tweaked. Much better.

The Jonas Brothers were electric and connecting to the fans and really amped up the show with high energy.

Honor Society started the day by tweeting a message on twitter. (I know what twitter is and I am still not quite sure how to say that Honor Society posted a message! Is that right? Tweeted?) The message was to meet Honor Society at 16th and Lawrence on Writer’s Square in Denver. It was a short walk from the Pepsi Center, the venue for the concert.

Watching Honor Society made me think of the beginning of a journey. Well, maybe not the very beginning but the part where you are going to take the next leap. They are on tour with the Jonas Brothers. They sing a set of four songs every evening. They are having pre-parties and meet and greets. The personal events are still small enough that you can really talk with them and share a moment. It is more than 30 seconds. (I can fully appreciate why the Jonas Brothers have little time to talk with everyone during a meet and greet. They have chosen to see 350-400 girls at meet and greets at each concert and that means 30 seconds per girl and a quick picture. Their dedication to touch so many fans is inspiring!)

But, with the Honor Society we could share how we are traveling to 45 concerts. We could hang out with them for awhile. We could look at their bright, shining faces and feel the excitement of the ride they are on.

They are a great band with really personable young, respectful men. They sang some songs, played their new CD (release date is in the fall) And I know before long, they will be huge! So, if you get a chance to go to a pre-party in your town, go for it!

This is why I am beginning to feel the connection and the groove with going to the concerts again. The moments are happening now. Spontaneous, precious, heart-centered moments with connections to people.

Now, on to Idaho…

Today’s jonas watch is sponsored by Dramatic Adventure Theatre. www.dramaticadventure.com

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June 21, 2009

So, why am I doing this?

I am going to be sharing more details in here over the next few days.

Today, why am I doing this?

I know that there are Moms and Dads out there who will understand the basic fundamental principle of what I am about to say. And there are adults and teens who can reflect on how they had parents or still have parents who did the same thing.

We do things because we love our kids so much and we want them to be happy.

We do things because we see a passion in our children and we want to ignite and fan the flame of desire and potential.

We do things because we want to be the best parents we can possibly be.

Let me give you a few examples:

Your child has a passion for gymnastics or soccer. You look for opportunities with classes and you learn everything you can about how to support this. The next thing you know, your car has boxes of snacks and water bottles and soccer balls and schedules and movies for the DVD player for the long drive to tournaments. You find ways to occupy your other kids, as you help the one who is ready. You watch the games and meets and know that you were never interested in this before and may not be interested in it in the future. But, for today. You find the joy in your child’s passion.

Your child loves books and writing. You begin with summer library programs. You set up a space in your home for them to play librarian. You always have books and writing materials. As they get older, you find a reporter from the local paper who will allow a middle or high schooler to follow them around for the day.

You put some of your own dreams on hold.

You go into debt.

You watch to see if your child still has the passion and you find a way to create an environment that keeps it alive.

Now, on to Woodland Hills Mall in Tulsa to meet with Eric Bailey from Tulsa World to do an interview.

Enjoy the adventure!

Today’s jonas watch is sponsored by Dramatic Adventure Theatre. www.dramaticadventure.com

AND

The DaGrava family in Baltimore

For sponsorship information go to www.livealifeworthcelebrating.com

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First concert of the summer of 2009.

(27th Jonas Brothers concert since July 2007)

Last night was a reflection of the last year for me. I was thinking about the first concert we attended in July 2008 and the first concert in July 2007.

First, let me fill you in on the basic concert information from last night. I walked around by myself meeting the new Verizon Wireless staff. I have a picture with Jesse who I know I will see at least 30 more times. I met Shane from 106.1 KISSfm a rock station in Dallas. I talked with a father and four teenagers who were attending the concert for the first time.

I had seats in section C312. They were on the club level. The new Cowboys Stadium is really beautiful. Plush leather-style seating. Clean and sparkling new. A huge screen at the club level which is about 100 seats wide. The screen gave us up-close footage of the band and at this level, I was able to see their facial expressions. Two sisters were sitting next to me. One of them looked like she was about ten. They only spoke Spanish and I only speak English so there was no conversation. But, we danced and sang and smiled at each other for the whole Jonas Brothers time. Music transcends language. I have also found that once you start dancing and singing the Jonas Brothers songs with someone, age disappears, too.

My personal reflections… In the last year, I have watched my daughter, Hannah, grow. After two months of traveling, writing, going to concerts, recording and editing videos last summer, she matured and became more confident. She has had her ups and downs in the last year and has learned from her experiences. One thing I witnessed was criticism from some teens last summer when we attended 15 concerts. They were upset that we had two tickets to each of the sold out concerts. They felt that we had taken tickets from other people who could not get in. I observed Hannah go through the pain of the criticism and work through it.

In the last year, Joe Jonas had a public break-up with country star Taylor Swift. Taylor created a YouTube where she described Joe breaking up with her over the phone in 27 seconds. Joe was quiet and did not respond at first. Taylor then accused him of cheating on her and he finally wrote a response to his fans letting them know that he has never cheated on a girlfriend and that the break-up was 27 seconds because the person on the other end of the line hung up on him.

The Jonas Brothers wrote a song about the break-up. When they performed it last night, I saw a maturity that was not there last year. I saw a young man who had experienced some pain, had written a song with his brothers and was now singing it with integrated wisdom.

As a parent, we can teach our children, we can model a behavior and then we must release them to have their own experiences. Sometimes I feel like that is the hardest part of being a parent. I don’t want my children to feel any pain. I want to protect them. But, it is in feeling all of the emotions that life has to offer that we learn and grow.

For the Jonas Brothers, writing songs for the new CD, Lines, Vines and Trying Times, came from life experience in the past year. The good, the bad and the ugly. The ability to take the pain of a break-up, heal, write a song and chalk it up to a life lesson learned.

Here are some of the words from the song:

I got a rep for breakin’ hearts
Now I’m done with Super Stars
And all the tears on her guitar
I’m not bitter

Now I see everything I’d ever need
Is the girl in front of me
She’s Much Better

I wanna fight with you
Tear up the sky with you
You’re much better
I wanna fight with you
Make up tonight with you
You’re much better

Now I’ve got some enemies
And they’re all friends suddenly
BFF’s eternally
I’m not bitter

I believe that the road that people lead
Helps you find the one you need
You’re much better

See you all tomorrow.