In Search of the Perfect Bridesmaid Speech

So one of my best and oldest friends is getting married in just under a month. Her sister and I are co-maids of honor so we are trying to plan a co-bridesmaids wedding speech. I have been a bridesmaid a few times now, but I have never given a speech.

Since I am not much of a writer (and certainly not a public speaker) this presents interesting conflicts. And as soon as a try to dredge up memories and stories, it seems that I don't have any. Of course, that's not at all true, I guess its a minor form of stage fright. Tackling that seems to be one of the hardest parts.

The best way I've found to help that is to try to do other things and occasionally something comes to me. And I have to jot it down right away or I will forget. I feel like a bad friend. I have also been doing massive online research. Luckily for me, there are some good guidelines and ideas out there. That makes me feel a little more calm about the ordeal. I just have to stay calm and organized. That will be half the battle. And practice, practice, practice!

I am hoping to find some quotes to use (shock, me, use quotes? No...). I was contemplating something from Louisa May Alcott. If anyone else has some brilliant suggestions, please let me know. Also, if anyone has some more example speeches, that would be amazing.

Another important piece: I have to figure out how to put a speech together for the two of us. I haven't gotten much back from her yet, but I'm sure I will.

Any advice and ideas are appreciated. I will keep you all updated on the wedding proceedings! I will attempt to be the best bridesmaid I can be!

Cento from David Bowie

In honor of David Bowie and Iman's 20th wedding anniversary, here is a cento poem made from a selection of David Bowie songs. The title and all lines are from David Bowie songs (citations and links to videos below). I pieced it together myself. I'm not sure if it's good, actually; I am too familiar with the songs to not hear the tune as I read the lines, making the whole sound kind of funny. It's just silliness anyway. This is written from the perspective of Mr. Bowie (or how I imagine his perspective to be) to his beautiful wife, Iman. Enjoy!

The happy couple! :) I think they always look so happy together.

Soul Love

Life is so vague when it brings someone new
This time tomorrow I'll know what to do.

You walked into my life out of my dreams,
Nothing prepared me for your smile
Lighting the darkness of my soul.

Your soothing hand that turned me round
A love so real swept over me.

I moved up to take a place near you.

Please make sure we get tomorrow,

Just as long as I can walk
I'll walk beside you,

Stay by my side.

I pledge you, you'll never be blue

Please be mine, share my life
Stay with me, be my wife.

I could make you happy every day of your life.

It's love back to front and no sides.

I'll paint you mornings of gold.
I'll spin you Valentine evenings.

You and I will rise up all the way
All because of what you are: the prettiest star

Will you stay in our Lovers' Story?
If you stay you won't be sorry.

Life's still a dream, your love's amazing

Since I found you, my life's amazing

David Bowie Songs Used, Albums, Years, and Video links:

"Soul Love." The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. 1972.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kx9o1idWrE

"Stay." Station to Station. 1976.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJVtv9LlK9Y

"Word on a Wing." Station to Station. 1976
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTIAiMeyd7Q 

"Thursday's Child." ...hours. 1999.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S227FFNwl8 

"Never Let Me Down." Never Let Me Down. 1987.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u08YZEyRYnw 

"The Prettiest Star." Aladdin Sane. 1973.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j062oRWQNI4 

"A Better Future." Heathen. 2002.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boX8zNyhaL4 

"Amazing." Tin Machine. 1989.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64ipSgPyG3o 

"Be My Wife." Low. 1977.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB7skYEv_EM 

"Shining Star (Makin' My Love)." Never Let Me Down. 1987.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uahQxC3jaY 

"Because You're Young." Scary Monsters and Super Creeps. 1980.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gk6NJ-x27Zs 

"As the World Falls Down." Labyrinth. 1986.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvLnPO9t4Wg&ob=av2n 

"Kooks." Hunky Dory. 1971.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mdr05UVBihY

Peeps® Follow Up

Inspired by my previous post, some of my friends decided to continue this. Here are some Peeps melting using lit birthday candles:

And then we put a Peep in vinegar to see if it dissolves. Here are a few pictures taken over about an hour. The question raised: "What is that doing in your stomach?" On the plus side, stomach acid is stronger than the acetic acid in vinegar. First the vinegar turned yellow but eventually the marshmallow started to break down and the frosting eyes fell off but did not appear to dissolve at all...

After sitting over night here are three Peeps. The one in vinegar is most broken down. One is in salt water. The last is in beer. Yay beer.

And so this is not all ended on a negative note, here is the door hanging I made in honor of spring! Most of the materials were bought at Michaels. And I love the sparkly eggs (which I got at Target). Once I had the materials, it was very easy to assemble.