Terrell Rocks…and ooooh the taste of heaven! April 2, 2011

It’s true. I have a new chef at my venue Carl House.

His food….oh Lordy….his creations are rocking my culinary world.

And I soooo love to be surprised.

Tonight, I popped in to see how our event, a gorgeous wedding, was going on. We’ve certainly served polenta cakes before….but Terrell’s were something from an alternate Universe. TAAAASTY doesn’t begin to describe the melt in your mouth, over-the-top ridiculous treasure in these cakes.

Yes Terrell’s polenta cakes hit new heights…the seasoning, texture, feel in my mouth. Food can be entirely sensuous, surprising, okay….I won’t go as far as erotic, (but I did think it).

‘WHAT did you make these with Terrell??’

I exclaimed, with a beautific expression pasted all over, ’round, up and down on my face.

‘These are heaven, light, magical, ironic!’

‘Corn’ he explained….’And??’ I countered. Then a trio of spices I now forget, cream, butter……ahhhhh….well, of course, surely. It’s not as though I was planning to MAKE them….but merely worship his culinary grace.

DAMN……I’m a lucky woman!!

Chicken ala 'Terrell'

And on this April Fool’s Day, I am no fool, I know quality in my midst and it surrounds me in so MANY areas of my life.

I know also that the things that perplex me, are miracles truly in the making. It’s all a matter of persistence, belief and keeping your attitude ‘right’!

How do I know? It’s been a LOOOONG few years and…..I just do.

And, I’m really, REALLY beginning to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of my labor!

Bon appetite!

(And hey, join us for our April 15th, 4 course wine pairing dinner featuring, yep….the Magical Chef I’ve so recently stumbled upon….gracing my Carl House kitchen. I’ll be there with delight in my eyes and a belly and mind grateful and ready to be wowed!!)

BB Webb

Cowgirls, Plays and Such! July 22, 2010

I’ve always produced. Always. I was making up skits and plays when I was 4, dressed in plastic high heels, often wore a cape like Mighty Mouse (from the cartoons), and would jump off chairs feeling rather ‘mighty’ myself. At one point I thought it’d be fun to be an elephant when I grew up, (no body image issues then), and I often fixed my hair and positioned whatever hat I was wearing in the door knob as that’s about how tall I was.

I know you have your stories. Who we are and will become is rather evident when we look back. Sally Star, (cowgirl on tv who hosted Saturday morning cartoons in my hometown of Lancaster, PA)…..she wore an outfit I coveted before I knew that ‘coveting’ was apparently something frowned upon.

Well, I still covet that bejeweled gem of an outfit with sequins and fringes, her cowgirl hat had the perfect flare and Sally, to me, was the ideal woman, strong, fun, funny, brave (it seemed, she was afterall a cowgirl) and pretty. And ooooh, those clothes. I just knew if she’d stand up and turn around her skirt would swirl in a way that would mesmerize any smart cowboy around!

Pink Martini Dessert: Photo: Jaxonphoto.com

So, I continue to produce, all manner of events, shows, ideas, stage ‘happenings’ in my head, speeches, concerts and dream that one day I’ll have the skillset and nerve to sing in public. I just can’t help it, it’s how I came into the world.

This weekend I’m excited to produce a lovely event at Carl House, replete with bagpipes, fiddlers, vendor partners and their wares, a wine tasting of our best wines with prizes, prizes, prizes as I LOVE to give gifts.

You MIGHT have interest. If so, check out our Carl House blog, Carl House Unveiled.

Life’s such fun when you get to share your passion with others. I might even wear my cowgirl outfit!

BB Webb

SpiDers ACross the SkY… July 21, 2010

A colleague sent me a card today with the following quote…

‘The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace things, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.’ Jack Kerouac

This kept me in an elevated state all day……all day long.

BB Webb

Yes, communication IS the response you get… February 19, 2010

I’m a connector. I like to connect with people….rather, it feels lovely when I do. It could be a quick glance, a knowing recognition with someone you pass on the grocery aisle. It might be a conversation that goes deep and wide with a dear friend, some commonality with a colleague, an argument sharing real passion and belief. And play, play with the right play pal is oodles of fun, smart rhetoric….it’s all engaging to me, keeping me on edge and a little hungry. Challenging perhaps. Fine indeed.

It’s alive and so real, so fertile. To connect takes time…not a lot necessarily, but some. And to me, it’s worth it.

And pseudo communication interests me not at all. Either dive in or let’s enjoy silence. Be present or go eat a sandwich with your puppy dog. (Dogs are phenomenal communicators by the way, with no end to the conversations. Take time, notice, you won’t need tv or movies).

I’m thinking today how different we all are with how we communicate. I’m a ‘sit down let’s sort through things’ person, until I can feel my way in a situation. It’s probably why I write and write….sorting, tossing, turning around ideas.

I like when I feel what I call a small glow, a wave of lovely energy between me and whomever. I like that. It’s like hitting the right song on the radio….after moving the dial back and forth…..yeees, THAT song…..A dialogue needn’t end in agreement either…but perhaps a mutual respect for making the effort to see and hear the other person in a way that works for them and you. That’s BINGO for me.

But not everyone needs that glow, they find their peace other ways or maybe have a trust I don’t have, or have yet, perhaps it’s a confidence or maybe it’s just not that important, I’m not totally certain.

I do know that whatever I end up sharing in a more public way with the world will not be about me, not at all, but rather a mirror which others can take as they choose, or not. But HOW it’s communicated will be key…I’ll need be a maestro with my notes, singing my words in the right key, perfect pitch and rhythm to have the impact desired.

Communication is an art and needs to be practiced to achieve the greatest result. And if plan A doesn’t get the message across, it’s time to work through the alphabet. This I KNOW, as communication is the response you get!!

I remember my Grandpa Fuzzy speaking more loudly if someone didn’t understand what he said. It wasn’t the volume that needed adjusting, just the messaging.

Then again, I was reminded to celebrate when on a larger scale, the messages are successfully disseminated, not to worry how it is received, the reviews or applause won’t matter…each person will take what they need, or not. Sometimes you paint a painting and you must discern an end at some point. It is the intent and execution made with love and truth which matters.

Truth and love matter. And having an open heart willing to listen.

Well, like tuning into the radio….the right frequency. And the reception! Do you hear me?

It’s there if you want it! Yes it is!! And I want it!

Just listen….Joni knows!

BB Webb

If… February 15, 2010

IF….. by Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling 1865- 1936

IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream – and not make dreams your master;
If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ‘em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
‘ Or walk with Kings – nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And – which is more – you’ll be a Man, my son!

The right words come if you but listen. Listen and not be afraid to hear.

BB Webb

And when it’s time… February 1, 2010

…there is no hesitation…only a forward fall into realms unimagined, like putting on a coat you’ve admired for so long in the store window. Putting it on is better than you dreamed, the texture, weight, smell, the sparkle of its buckles, the feel of its lining on your skin, the way it cloaks your body, the sturdy fabric. You feel warmed, supported and as though you have wings.

And when it’s time. Let go. Release the past.

When it’s time to fall forward, it’s time to fall forward. Don’t hesitate. You’ll miss the moment. Just let go. Open up. Trust. Spread your arms. Go on. Fly baby…fly.

BB Webb

Sentient Beings January 4, 2010

I ran across this quote today and it seemed quite timely and thought I’d share.

“Your cultivation of love and great compassion should not be left in a state of mere imagination or wish alone; rather, a sense of responsibility, a genuine intention to engage in the task of relieving sentient beings of their sufferings and providing them with happiness, should be developed. It is important for a practitioner to work for and take upon himself or herself the responsibility of fulfilling this intention. The stronger your cultivation of compassion is, the more committed you will feel to taking this responsibility. Because of their ignorance, sentient beings do not know the right methods by which they can fulfill their aims. It is the responsibility of those who are equipped with this knowledge to fulfill the intention of working for their benefit.”
- His Holiness the Dalai Lama

I rather like that…..clues everywhere to guide us on our path. Amazing when you think of it. Even better when you accept and follow.

These metaphysical wings of ours, like wisdom teeth poking through can hurt a bit, but ooooh, ooooooh the wings that are sprouting are worth any initial discomfort. We must remember this even when we feel unsure, when our decision making feels amiss and certainly when our minds just can’t do the job….which often I’m finding, it can’t AND shouldn’t.

Here’s to developing that heart muscle…..off to the gym now to strengthen that muscle!

Consider forgiveness as you move into the New Year. ‘Boink….’ another wing tip just shot through!

BB Webb

Is it ‘just weather’? December 8, 2009

I wrote a piece, keynote talk, performance, I don’t know….called, ‘It’s Just Weather, Embracing Possibility Thinking or How to Find Your Twirl.’ In this piece I share stories about ‘moving forward,’ moving forward despite the obstacles, the rain, the stuff that gives one ‘pause.’ I performed it, rewrote it, performed it again, then put it aside awhile as I needed to tend to some important business in my business; all good fodder for more stories to tell.

I’ve experienced more rain and thunder in Georgia this year than any year since arriving here some 15 or 16 years ago, physically and metaphorically. It’s exhilarating in moments…and in the grand scheme of things, for sure. I’m all about the grand scheme. I somehow have an ability to see the big picture, despite setbacks…which let’s face it are really just opportunities to excel, to do better, to learn, stretch, move forward…as if, as if your success were imminent. And success and winning is really all just a mindset. Of that I am CERTAIN. Consider…..if Thomas Edison did try 999 times before he created the lightbulb, come on…it’s then only about tenacity.

I forget in moments, though I have tenacity in spades….it’s a special muscle to which I was born…..and I love a good tussle.

Most people give up when they get a black and green bruise. I don’t mind a good tackle, especially with the right group of folks in my periphery. Without them I must admit, I’d be toast. We all need folks who believe in us, who despite our foibles and rough edges, see something beyond. I like seeing beyond, I’m at home there.

All the rest, interesting or scurrilous details. I’ve never excelled in details, managing them, but I see the overall picture and expect the details to be perfect. And when I do, eventually, they are….if I have staying power….and I do for the things which matter to me.

I had a director once say something quite curious to me. After witnessing me prepare lunch for 8 people, which I improvised in my manner, throwing ingredients together, pickles and tuna, turkey and cheese, whole wheat and bean sprout, honey dijon and spinach, pasta salad and romaine, etc.…. a hodgepodge of this and that which came out beautifully. It was a chaotic mess to begin with though ended in order and good taste.

In contrast she observed, ‘when you prepared for your one woman show, you were adamant about the details being just so, you made sure each point, cue, prop and detail was meticulously placed. You were a taskmaster for order, protocol and procedure. You knew how to hit your mark, stand in the light, move on cue, respond at the crescendo of a laugh and bring your audience to you.’

I did. I needed a different process to get to THAT desired result. I needed order and a set protocol.

A visionary, or director, sees the big picture, a performer executes a vision and an employee, if chosen correctly, also executes a vision. And if we are in sync with our passions, where our skill-sets and interests are optimized, the challenges are just rain, storms, the occasional hail and wind……they all pass and the golden nugget, the prize, is in traversing through it all with a trust that in the end, we will meet our vision or better.

It is ALL perhaps just weather and we but players in the field.

And I am recalling all that and more this very day as the rain comes pouring outside my windows, though is not dampening my soul, but rather, when I sit back and remember, is actually watering my garden.

BB Webb

Do Not Go Gently…. November 14, 2009

I have not birthed children however I have birthed and mothered many other things. I certainly mother my animals, step children at one time, friends when they need that sort of care and of course my businesses and creative endeavors. I’ve made mistakes with these ‘children’, enjoyed a few triumphs and certainly felt heartache earning my stripes as a mother. I’ve been overbearing, sometimes distant, negligent at times, but this week, this week I protected a child of mine, my business, like a Lioness might protect her brood. I’ve come to know this child in a very new way and I feel proud of the good work I’ve done. Work well done is always satisfying.

Yes, I am a proud parent today. I stood my ground as it is in my DNA to mother and I know I’ve done well. I shall sleep very, very well tonight indeed.

Dylan Thomas

And this reminds me of a poem by a favorite writer, a majestic poet and story teller. Dylan Thomas wrote a play I love, ‘Under Milk Wood’, which I had the good fortune to perform in during my freshman year in college. I later witnessed a brilliantly staged and meticulously performed production of it in London which I will never, NEVER forget. Good work, well done!

His prose still lilt about within my head like a summer breeze in Maine. I adore the way this poet sings his words. To me he is magic….pure magic.

But today, I am reminded of his, ‘Do Not Go Gently Into That Good Night’, for I know, it is in my heart and in my soul to rage until satisfied, a similar passion I felt this week mothering what is mine.

DO NOT GO GENTLY INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

BB Webb

The Way We Were… November 7, 2009

Music has quietly been a part of my life throughout the years. I’m not a collector but more a random ‘stumbler’ upon all kinds of music….I don’t even know how to categorize it all. I’ve had times where I stopped listening to music for a spell, I wanted no outside noise or influence….and then other times, It’s the only thing that keeps me connected to myself and the bigger world I resonate with.

Tonight I sit on the third floor of my lovely Carl House, listening to the sounds of ‘Livin Large’ an 8 piece band who are about to rock the halls of my pretty house. I don’t come to weekend events much anymore, though will be again, at least for awhile as we make some transitions inhouse, taking our services and my vision to new levels.

When building Carl House, I remember when the floor of the ballroom was laid, (a needed addition), the sky above, no roof or trellis’ yet craned in, I remember standing on the floorboards with a swell in my heart knowing that unbelievable happenings would take place on that very floor. And they do, EVERY weekend….people come together in love. The intention and beauty of it all is often times more than I can reasonable sit with…just like music that hits my heart and soul in a way I’m not sure I can manage, as it brings up such deep feelings, longings perhaps. It’s so big!

I relish the challenge of it all. I need that. For as deep as those feelings or any one experience might be for me, if it’s the right vibe, I’m SO game. And I thank my lucky stars for those new experiences. I’d surely perish without them. They somehow pull me toward greater freedom.

It is in those moments I remember why I chose the life of an entrepreneur. I like creating things…and especially spaces for people to flourish, express, consider, dance.

I remember when doing theatre, how I’d love standing on the bare stage alone, after a frothy, fulfilling performance, with only the stagehand’s light beaming, its naked bulb, how I’d love the energy I still felt in the room, remnants of a lively audience of hundreds who’d entered only hours earlier to experience whatever was delivered that night.

And down below, in my very ballroom, Adam McKnight, a gorgeous African American man with long braids, a full chest and voice so resonate you know he was clearly sent as an angel here on earth, two floors down he sings….. ooooh how the angels love to rock my house. With his beautiful, talented and energetic female counterpart, (Maria Howell), they sing…

Your love is better than ice cream
Better than anything else that Ive tried
And your love is better than ice cream
Everyone here know how to fight

And its a long way down
Its a long way down
Its a long way down to the place
Where we started from

Your love is better than chocolate
Better than anything else that Ive tried
Oh love is better than chocolate
Everyone here knows how to cry

Its a long way down
Its a long way down
Its a long way down to the place
Where we started from…
Sarah McLachlan

The stage is where I’ve felt MOST at home, as the possibilities for creation were endless, all there on a black floored stage.

At Carl House ours is travertine, equally delicious. I may just turn off all the lights tonight after everyone leaves, light a small candle and dance to the music I know I’ll continue to here after ‘Livin Large’ leaves.

And I will indeed be….Livin Large too.

BB Webb