The Bedlam of Beefy

Alt-ered State of Mind

2012-01-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, kids, if you've been strolling through the blogosphere lately, you're probably tripping up on one post after another extolling the virtues of the recent Alt Summit. This post ain't gonna be any different. And, if you think we all drank the Kool Aid? Well, they didn't actually have that, but they did feed us which certainly helped in the conversion process. But, next year, Kool Aid could be a nice tongue in cheek addition.

So this was the third year in what will likely (hopefully) be a long running conference. It was my first appearance - my debut, as it were. And, kids, your uncle felt a bit like a celebrity. But it's not hard to get noticed when you're one of a handful of men in a sea of hundreds of women and you have all the wallflower capabilities of a circus sideshow performer. Plus, as a former Women's Studies major, let's face it, I can hang with the ladies.

KELLY, YOUR UNCLE, & LISA WITH VICTORIA BEHIND THE CAMERA.

But enough with the hardy-har-hars and wink-winks. I have to say that I almost don't know what to say or where to begin in regard to my own Alt experience. How people have already put together their Alt recap posts is beyond me as my head and my heart are still spinning. If you were there, then you know what I'm talking about most likely. And if you weren't there? Then I hope you can either bear with me or feel a bit of vicarious inspiration.

Now don't worry. I won't go on some kind of a bullet point spree here, kids. Plenty of other bloggers have have discussed the finer points of Alt with plenty of details. And I'll do my best to keep my images edited, although that is a much taller task for me as I love a good visual. So we'll see how that exercise in restraint goes. (Don't hold your breath!)

What I will say about Alt Summit is that it was like a breath of freakin' fresh air! Woosh! Ahhhh! I mean, it was awesome to hear about the ins and outs of other bloggers' experiences, the business side of blogging, branding, etc. All great. (Jasmine Star could have had a gospel choir along with her given the inspirational charge she brought to a room!) But, what resonated the most deeply with me was this feeling of camaraderie. In short, bein' with m'peeps, y'all! That was a long time coming. More than I realized.

Look, I spend a lot of time in the tiniest room of my home perusing inspirational finds at ungodly hours of the morning with the current bulk of my socialization limited to twitter or my pets. When I do find myself out in the world, the mention of being a blogger will more often than not bring about feigned interest and/or a virtual head pat. Sure, what we do may not always be earth-shattering, but those of us who tuck ourselves away in pursuit of finding and sharing things of beauty or inspiration actually work pretty hard at what we do. Not that everyone is obligated to appreciate that fact, but some days the dismissive reaction of others can be pretty dejecting and leave you feeling like you're wasting your time and maybe everyone else's.

And yet we continue to do what we do irregardless. The whys of that fact would likely be different and multi-faceted for each blogger, but it's worth noting that we all share that common, needling pursuit. To bring together en masse a group of individuals who share that mutual appreciation for all things aesthetically pleasing, well designed, and just plain sparkly is bound to create a stirring. But, you can also count on two other things - gorgeous shoes and "kumbaya" moments.

TOP PHOTO: MY ALT POSSE! (L TO R) KATIE, ESTELLE, MOI, JEANNE, BRANDI, KIMBERLY, MELISSA, & MELISSA (SERIOUSLY!). AND I GOTTA GIVE A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO BEE AND COURTNEY. NOT PICTURED BUT SO PART O' THE POSSE!
BOTTOM PHOTO: (L TO R) CAPREE, KATHLEEN (BEHIND MY GIANT HEAD), DANIELLE, CARINA, & KELLY.

Yeah that's right. Your uncle came away with some seriously soulful connections and my own designer-y version of the "Ya Ya Sisterhood". It wasn't uncommon over more than one bonding session to have an Oprah-worthy tear or two shed. I was ridiculous on one occasion. Uh huh, I'll admit it. (Hey, I cried during "Finding Nemo" and that wasn't half as life affirming as Alt Summit was for me!) But, to be in the company of generous and talented people who understand what you do and why you do it (even if difficult to articulate) can be a profoundly moving experience. And it certainly was for me. If you're a fan of the "Joy Luck Club", then you might sum it up with the line "I see you." (You need to get a tissue? Don't worry, I'll wait.) So to walk away feeling that all of my 4:00AM posting sessions are important on some level was more than I could have asked for.

So now I sit here, post-Alt, feeling refreshed and buoyed by a host of supporters new and old. I'm feeling invigorated and motivated by the moving keynotes that were given by Ben Silbermann, founder of Pinterest, and Gretchen Rubin, writer of "The Happiness Project". I'm also feeling a deepened gratitude for each one of you who comes here to read, peruse, comment, or click on any number of your 'follow' options. I know there are a ton of blogs out there these days so the fact that you would take even a moment of your time to check in here means a great deal to me. It really does. Allowing me to share my thoughts, musings, inspirations, or trivial moments with you brings a joyous quality to my life. And, I thank you for all the days, months, or years that you have allowed me to have that comfort and gratification.

In the end, Alt cracked some things wide open for me. One of those was the decision to put away the top-hatted cartoon that has so long represented "me" and put my face to these pages. I'd like to feel like we're getting to know each other a little better, a bit more authentically. That's a gift that you all granted me a long time ago. Alt just helped me unwrap it.

Yours in gratitude,

SPECIAL THANKS TO CARYL FOR MY PHOTO.

How Alt Summit Survived Hurricane Beefy

2012-01-23T18:45:00.000-08:00

PHOTO BY KATIE FROM SALT + PINE.

Alt Summit. Finally!

2012-01-17T15:40:00.001-08:00

Hi, kids! Well, I have finally made it! After missing out the last couple of years I have finally gotten myself to Alt Summit 2012! Woo hoo! In fact, I arrived just an hour or so ago and here I am... BAM! This is the current view from my hotel room at The Grand America. Not bad, eh? They also offer you a chocolate chip cookie the minute you walk in the door! A delightful offering if I wasn't staring down the cold hard fact that I have have to dress in all white in a couple of nights! If black is slimming, well, you can imagine why I passed.

I cannot believe that within hours I'll be meeting up with some bloggers that I've been following for years. Years! It's a long but heartfelt list. I feel like I know them already and yet this will likely take it to a whole 'nother level. Ya' feel me? In short, I am fully prepared to both lose my voice and have the hotel staff repeatedly come over and tell me, "Ma'am, you're going to have to stop your high-pitched screaming." It's going to be ridiculous. And, I won't care.

I'll be keeping you updated on things here as often as I can, kids. In the meantime, did you know that I set up a new facebook page for The Bedlam of Beefy? Well, yes siree, I sure enough did! And, if you felt so inclined to help your uncle out by offering me a "like" or two, I'd certainly be obliged!

I hope this post finds you doing well and 2012 treating you right, thus far. Take care, kids! Off to wander Salt Lake City!

Honey Badger Needs a New Pair of Shoes

2012-01-13T13:30:00.000-08:00

What a relief!

2012-01-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

2011-12-23T14:58:00.000-08:00

BEAUTIFUL IMAGE by INTERIOR STYLIST, GLEN PROEBSTEL.

What to my wondrous eyes should appear...

2011-12-23T10:49:00.000-08:00

Dave Barnes - A Very Merry Christmas from Dana Tanamachi on Vimeo.

Lighten Up It's Just Fashion

2011-12-22T12:11:00.000-08:00

FOUND VIA HONEY KENNEDY VIA HONESTLY...WTF VIA FASHIONISTA.

Congdon Line

2011-12-22T08:43:00.000-08:00

Shut the front door! ~ The Culinary Edition

2011-12-21T12:23:00.000-08:00

How to Peel a Head of Garlic in Less Than 10 Seconds from SAVEUR.com on Vimeo.

Word

2011-12-21T07:18:00.000-08:00

Prints Charming

2011-12-21T05:04:00.000-08:00

Down Mexico Way

2011-12-20T07:20:00.000-08:00

Paper Cut

2011-12-20T04:36:00.000-08:00

Marian + Hazel

2011-12-19T07:11:00.000-08:00

It's a moment like this that makes me glad I have 'bedlam' in my blog title.

2011-12-19T05:26:00.000-08:00

Let It Snow

2011-12-19T04:36:00.000-08:00

Wish I Was Here

2011-12-16T04:34:00.000-08:00

It's the "Holiday" Season!

2011-12-07T12:52:00.000-08:00

My Oh My Cavalier!

2011-12-07T05:16:00.000-08:00

Studiopatró

2011-12-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

All Booked Up

2011-12-06T07:46:00.000-08:00

Is this what they mean by "baby steps"?

2011-12-06T05:44:00.000-08:00

Brown Paper Packages

2011-12-05T07:03:00.000-08:00

Hard Graft

2011-12-05T04:11:00.000-08:00

Washington Coast Weekending

2011-12-02T05:09:00.000-08:00

Unplugged

2011-11-30T20:45:00.000-08:00

COFFER from thismustbetheplace on Vimeo.

Into The Woods

2011-11-30T05:45:00.000-08:00

Best Intentions

2011-11-29T15:30:00.000-08:00

Holiday Weekend Reading

2011-11-23T04:48:00.000-08:00

SWEET PAUL MAGAZINE from SWEET PAUL.

GIFTED from EZ of CREATURE COMFORTS.

ANTHOLOGY'S WINTER GIFT GUIDE from, well, ANTHOLOGY MAGAZINE.

Le Sanctuaire

2011-11-22T06:54:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Dessert Round-Up

2011-11-22T05:06:00.000-08:00

(Hint: Click on the photos to be taken to the recipe.)

Lil' Miss Muffin

2011-11-21T08:58:00.000-08:00

Beachy Keen

2011-11-21T04:59:00.000-08:00

Flotsam & Jetsam

2011-11-17T15:09:00.000-08:00

Sweet Tea

2011-11-17T04:15:00.000-08:00

Hammocks & High Tea

2011-11-16T16:51:00.000-08:00

I Got Sunshine

2011-11-16T15:42:00.000-08:00

White Canvas

2011-11-14T06:02:00.000-08:00

Fall Friday

2011-11-11T17:45:00.000-08:00

PHOTOS BY YOUR UNCLE BEEFY - ON OUR WAY DOWN THE WASHINGTON COAST

1. ALWAYS LOTS OF LITTLE BITS OF LOVELY OVER WITH TIFFANY.

2. THESE LITTLE BABIES WOULD MAKE HOT CHOCOLATE TASTE THAT MUCH SWEETER.

3. HOLY COW BELLS! THESE FOR ME, PLEASE!

4. SIGHS OVER THE CITY I LOVE.

5. J'ADORE THIS CONTEMPORARY TAKE ON OLE TOM TURKEY.

6. IF I COULD GET MARRIED, THIS WOULD BE PRETTY DAMN NEAR PERFECT.

7. SWOONING OVER THIS "SCANDINASIAN" TABLEWARE.

8. WILL PRESENTS A SNEAK PEEK OF SWEET PAUL'S WINTER ISSUE.

9. A GORGEOUS AND GLAMOROUS PALETTE FOR THE FALL SEASON.

10. AND, WHO WOULDN'T RELISH THE MOMENT HAD HERE?

Good Prospects

2011-11-10T05:38:00.000-08:00

Patched Up

2011-11-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

Laura Zindel

2011-11-09T07:08:00.000-08:00

Looking Sharp

2011-11-09T06:20:00.000-08:00

Raising the Bar

2011-11-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

Oh my darlin', oh my darlin', ...

2011-11-08T05:30:00.000-08:00

Sweet Surrender

2011-11-07T07:34:00.000-08:00

Jacked Up

2011-11-07T04:46:00.000-08:00

Seeing Double

2011-11-05T17:38:00.001-07:00

Flower Power

2011-11-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

For the design-oriented lumberjack who has everything.

2011-11-03T20:39:00.000-07:00

Made By Hand

2011-11-03T05:41:00.000-07:00

Coming Up Rosie

2011-11-02T05:48:00.000-07:00

Things That Go Beef in the Night

2011-10-31T06:21:00.000-07:00

The 'specimen' images shown here are from Three Potato Four and currently available along with a bunch of new stuff.

Too Cool For School

2011-10-21T04:19:00.000-07:00

Hittin' the Slope

2011-10-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

Take two cookies and call me in the morning.

2011-10-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

Driven to Distraction

2011-10-18T04:32:00.000-07:00

Silver Spoon

2011-10-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

Henry Finkelstein

2011-10-07T06:58:00.000-07:00

Go West [Elm]

2011-10-04T10:47:00.001-07:00

See Saw

2011-10-04T08:49:00.000-07:00

Getting a Yen

2011-10-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

To The Letter

2011-10-03T06:44:00.000-07:00

Early Winter

2011-10-03T04:24:00.000-07:00

Weekending

2011-09-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

Poehler Dancer

2011-09-30T04:58:00.000-07:00

Giveaway: Holiday with Mattew Mead

2011-09-29T05:52:00.000-07:00

1. Follow The Bedlam & "like" Matthew Mead Holiday on Facebook. Or...
2. Follow your Uncle & Matthew Mead Holiday on twitter. Or...
3. Follow The Bedlam & Matthew Mead Holiday on Google Friend Connect.

Or, "all of the above" is perfectly acceptable, Kids!

And, if you tweet the giveaway (using @unclebeefy & @holidaymagazine
in your tweet) you’ll get yourself an extra entry!

Toast & Tea

2011-09-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

White Washed

2011-09-23T05:28:00.000-07:00

In this case, I'm picking Ginger over Mary Ann.

2011-09-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

Kitchen Residential

2011-09-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

Camping Sings a New Tune

2011-09-20T04:42:00.000-07:00

Pure Green Magazine

2011-09-19T04:48:00.000-07:00

Plum Lovely

2011-09-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

How Sweet It Is

2011-09-16T04:28:00.000-07:00

Absolute Beginners

2011-09-14T04:57:00.000-07:00

Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.

Swag Bags

2011-09-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

Sweet Fall

2011-09-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

Scenes from a Weekend

2011-09-12T05:13:00.000-07:00

Pay Dirt[sa]

2011-09-12T04:58:00.000-07:00

Much Ado About Marfa

2011-09-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

The Whole Kitchen Kaboodle

2011-09-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

Image sources: 1) Carrie Leber PR: The Blog 2) The New York Times 3) desire to inspire 4) Lolalina 5) coco+kelley/Kristen Buckingham 6) The Style Files

Light Reading

2011-09-02T12:38:00.000-07:00

How to not wear out "you're" welcome.

2011-09-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

Mon petit... ooooh!

2011-08-31T08:53:00.000-07:00

Bravura

2011-08-31T07:29:00.000-07:00

Apolis: Global Citizen

2011-08-31T04:53:00.000-07:00

A Reminder

2011-08-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

rib & hull

2011-08-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

Life Is a Banquet

2011-08-30T05:37:00.000-07:00

A soy, Matey!

2011-08-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

Great Scotch

2011-08-29T04:53:00.000-07:00

Orange Crush

2011-08-27T15:09:00.000-07:00

Being Boring

2011-08-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

Cruel Summer

2011-08-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

Head in the [Theater] Clouds

2011-08-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

Tasmanian Treat

2011-08-10T05:48:00.000-07:00

On a Pedestal

2011-08-10T04:45:00.000-07:00

Scandinavian Summer

2011-08-08T21:23:00.001-07:00