shininglikeadiamond turns one

About thirteen months ago I created shininglikeadiamond: a result of a curiosity about the blogosphere combined with the desire to write more.  I played around with the settings and set up of the blog for a while, read up about the ins and outs of the blogosphere and sat and chewed the end of my metaphorical pencil while I contemplated the topic of my first post.  Nothing came, and then the unexpected passing of Michael Jackson provided the spark my Muse needed to create my first post.  Twelve months later we arrive here, post number 20 and one year older.  I’ll admit that I haven’t written as much as I would have liked, and that’s something that I will rectify, but overall I’m pleased with shininglikeadiamond. 

Ideally I would have penned a post centered around this little milestone, but to be honest it kinda snuck up on me and I haven’t had the time to fully create the celebratory post that I would’ve liked to have written.  Instead, and in order to not miss the anniversary completely,  I offer a Lizzie update and birthday cupcake.

Last post centered around Bon Jovi concert number 4 of 12 at the O2.  I ended the post with

In the end, the concert was so enjoyable that I’m going back for the final of the twelve shows.*  Proof that you can’t have too much of a good thing – and that you should take all the opportunities there are to let out your inner Rock Chick.

Not a truer word has been written, heed the lesson my friends: always take the opportunity to let the Rock Chick out (or whatever musical form it may take).  Despite the fact that this concert clashed with the second of the two-part finale of Dr Who (thank you VCR) it was the right decision to go.  We were treated to not only a spine tingling Bed of Roses, but also a wicked set list (see the end of the post) which included a six song encore.  Jon and the boys were on fire when it came to energy and musicianship.  It was easily the best sixty quid I’ve spent this year, and totally worth a wait before seeing the Doctor in action. 

Update now out of the way, it is time for birthday cupcake.  If I haven’t mentioned yet that I worship at the altar of the culinary genius that is Isa and Terry, then I will now.  Isa and Terry rock, and if I could cook and bake like anyone else on this planet it would be them.  Needless to say the birthday cupcake came via the awesome Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World and is the mighty yummy Toasted Coconut Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream Frosting.  Did I mention that there is also cocoa powder involved?  Oh yes, this recipe is a perfect ten. 

Not wanting to waste half a can of coconut milk, I also made some Chocolate Coconut Pudding from the ever faithful VWAV.  Seriously delicious pudding.

Now there is nothing left but to say many and sincere thanks to those who take the time to read my musings.  Here’s to another year.

Lizzie

x

Set list: blood on blood/we weren’t born to follow/you give love a bad name/born to be my baby/lost highway/in these arms/when we were beautiful/blaze of glory/captain crash/sleep when I’m dead/we got it going on/bad medicine w/ old time rock & roll (performed with Kid Rock)/lay your hands on me (Richie Samora)/bed of roses/diamond ring/I’ll be there for you/Saturday night/bullet/it’s my life/who says you can’t go home/keep the faith.

Encore: have a nice day/wanted/these days/it’s hard letting you go/I love this town/livin’ on a prayer