Just A Window to the Whimsy Old World of My Favorite Little Fancies & Obsessions
in honor of the last few days of ‘banned book week’, run to your nearest library and proudly, check out some ‘controversial’ reading matter…..because you can.
You are going to love this giveaway. It’s nice. It’s Ice! Two SouthernMamas subscribers will win FOUR FREE TICKETS each to Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey in Savannah. 
I entered. Now, my fingers are crossed. Hop over (here) to Southern Mama’s to check out Anne’s super fab giveaway!
I have been tagged by Molly’s Mom to name 7 random or weird facts about me.hmm…only seven? There are so many. Let me think.
1. I still have a baby tooth (My adult tooth is missing. I did have two but after twenty some odd years one was ready to come out so I have an implant).
Turpentine Festival 2008 ~ Portal, GA October 4 – 5
The events kick off on with a Saturday parade through the town at 10 a.m.
Enjoy educational exhibits, musical entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, kiddie rides and games for all ages, including horseshoes, bingo, and a cake walk. A log-cabin style playhouse will be open for children to enjoy during story-time, and the kids will have loads of fun at the woodworking booth sponsored by Lowe¢s. Food will be available from a variety of vendors and will include barbecue sandwiches, chicken dinners, funnel cakes, hamburgers, hot dogs, Italian ice, and the festival-famous rosin-cooked potatoes. There will be live entertainment throughout the day.
DIRECTIONS: Take HWY 80 West out of Statesboro (6 miles) follow signs where 80 turns left off 25 (go 6 more miles) as you enter Portal the festival will be down on the right. You’ll be directed where to park. Give yourself a good half hour for drive time and time to park to make it to the parade at 10 am.
Originally uploaded by rmoenkallen
This is the amazing marriage of talents of Yo Yo Ma and Alison Krauss. It is a match made in heaven which was released in 1999 on the Appalachain Journey album.
The lyrics for Slumber My Darling are here.
I took these pictures on Beatrice’s first day of Mommy’s Morning Out. She is growing up so fast. I can hardly believe she is old enough to go to a preschool!
Peace out, ya’ll.
For the first time in (all of our lives) my sister and will be sole care-partners for the weekend. So, we will be here with Dad learning and growing through an intimate situation. I am excited, anxious, nervous and enthusiastic to be away from my new family and back to my old family. Actually, I will be close to where where we grew up – physcially and emotionally – literally and loosely. Admitting it will be draining, i suspect it will be a bit fun, too.
I hope you have a wonderful, wonderful weekend.
Peace out, Christy
Happy Anniversary to me, and Brian. Four years ago today we were exchanging our vows in the pecan orchard of Fordham Farm. Realizing I don’t tell him how wonderful he is enough nor how much I love him enough, I do love, love, love him. We have experienced amazing things in the short years of our companionship. I can’t imagine life with anyone more understanding, supportive, and loving.
This red & pink Made By Girl Poster says it best. I am still deeply madly in love with hubbers. I hope and dream that our respect and romance continues until the end of our days.
Here are a few wedding pictures that I dug out of the drawer to share with you.
The First Dance was to Soul Shine
The Tygarts. This is the last time I think my whole entire (mom’s side of the) family was together. It was great!
Christy and Barry’s Big Day. Yes, we put a whole new twist on man’s best friend thing.
Disco Groom thanks to props from Chrissy!
Oh, girls. Check this little baby contest by Star Looks Boutique. The prize is this amazing blanket:
The AllyZabba Blanket is made of raised plush fabric and silky satin backing and is machine washable. It’s incredibly soft and cozy. This blanket is handmade and the large version measures 34 x 28! Your choice of solid size color (see choices here). Value is $59 via The Secret is in the Sauce
May you have a restful and relaxing Wednesday Night.
And, if you haven’t already checked out Suzie Anderson’s French & Country website – it is full of all things French and GORGEOUS then you should. This image was taken at Hotel Particulier in Aix-en-Provence, France.
Bill Moyer’s show NOW on PBS is taking a poll on whether folks think Palin is qualified to serve as Vice President.
There are some folks organizing a Yes vote-in. Let your voice be heard HERE and no matter your opinion, pass it on if you get a chance. {http://www.pbs.org/now/polls/poll-435.html}
in my box today. 
Wow. Nicole really has a good eye. And, she is very, very creative.
Just as impressive: she has SIX children. Kudos, Nicole!
Wow. I heard the most provoking news today.
Shocked? Of course, I am shocked even though it isn’t entirely unexpected. It’s strange. It’s weird. It’s odd to commit to a new voice. Munson IS the voice of the dawgs.
I am so sorry dawg fans.
From this day forward, Larry Munson will no longer be the voice on the microphone for the dawgs. After consulting his friends, family, and doctor he is retiring immediately. This is his FORTY THIRD season for the 86 year old, ya’ll. He has the best play by play in football.
Scott Howard, who has called Georgia road games in Munson’s absence, since last season, does alright. But, he’s not Munson. Eric Zeier does alright, too. But, he just not Munson. There is not another Munson.
Larry said of UGA fans, “They have been so friendly especially during this most recent period of time. I feel I owe them so much more than I can give.” I hope he isn’t serious. He has given US so much.
The crisp air of fall, bustling leaves, apple cider and the sound of Larry Munson. That’s Georgia Livin’ for you. It did not matter where I was for the first 18 years of my life we heard this grasping voice on Saturdays (even on days we didn’t want to). My Dad lived for this voice. Even while watching Georgia Southern games at PaulsonStadium and even as a GSU season pass holder Munson was STILL on. Dad would carry a head phone radio. And, wear it. Do you remember those? It had an antennaand everything. This love-of-munson was terribly embarressing for a teenager you can imagine.
I remember hearing Munson during Thanksgiving vacation. Family, friend, Pilgrams, turkeys and Munson. Man oh Man. If Dad could understand he would be devastated like the rest of us.
Another post by a dawg fan missing Larry’s Hunkering Down.
As much as I hate bone china because it uses actual animal bones, this is lovely. Pearls.
I hope you had a fine Thursday!
xoxo Christy
these pieces from the ‘hedy’ collection by h for hannah, are so beautiful in their simplicity. bone china. simple forms. elegant. Via Beach Bungalow 8
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| From Dairy Day |
We are going to the Dairy today. Come along! We are visiting a small scale, local facility run by Irishmen.
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| From Dairy Day |
Watch your step. Cows aren’t potty trained, you know. Look at all the cows behind Beatrice and I. Wait. That’s a guy to the right. There are a whole lot of cows and one lucky Bull.
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| From Dairy Day |
Here we go into the milk room. The sophisiticated plumbing systems and milking machines are really neat. The cows visit one to two times a day to relieve the pressure. The girls looked happy. They must be relieved. I hear you girls!
Whoa! Look out for spray. The Irish might say, “urine luck.” Oh, gross. That jokes not funny. Let’s take B’s lead. Get us out of the parlor.
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| From Dairy Day |
Stop here to see the baby. The calf is four days old. Milk production requires calf production.
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| From Dairy Day |
Beatrice is going to feed the baby cow. Aww…
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| From Dairy Day |
Let’s snap a shot before the kids get restless. Yes, Beatrice. the latter applies to you. You are the ONLY guest who has left her herd. It is only you and cow who stand in the grass alone.
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| From Dairy Day |
The dairymen have loot for us visitors. There are pencils, erasers, coloring books, milk, cheese, oreos, white milk and chocolate milk for everyone. Help yourself. Ahh…enjoy.
I see you are shy. Don’t be. There is no growth hormone in this work of animal husbandry. In fact, we are happy to learn from the tour that only 22% of the cows in the U.S. are injected with it, most co-ops will not accept any trace of BST or rBGH . Cool. So, that means that the milk in wal-mart and target is as hormone free as the organic brands that I have been buying for an additional 2.00 per gallon. Nice. Shh, don’t tell Brian.
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| From Dairy Day |
Whups. I forgot to mention, “only the cookies, cheese, and milk are edible.” And, if you only want the white, middle stuffing then toss the cookies to the dog. She will be happy.
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| From Dairy Day |
The Irish DO look handsome in green.
Thanks for coming with us!
Inspired by this post by one of my fave bloggers (and I am not just saying that – it’s the blog that created my blog love), I thought I would post the questionnaire here. I can’t wait to read your answers!
::If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
::If you could change your name, what would it be?
::If you could be someone else for a day, who would it be, and why?
::What would you eat for your final meal?
::You are on a desert island and you only have one CD. What are you listening to?
Feel free to answer one or all in the comments box (or an email). You can leave your name or be anonymous. Either way, I am eager to hear from you!
Thanks for the inspiration Happy At Home!
*Creative commons image from eleaf on flickr.com
After dad’s appointment this morning – did I mention arriving at 8:30a. expecting to stay an hour at the longest. returning home AFTER noon. no make up. a toddler, hot Georgia heat. three adults helping one in the car. an embarrassed wife. a frustrated daughter. a curious nurse staff. humor. gastroenterologist. alright. you have a few components let your imagination wander. -
after that appointment, I need to make an appointment with thy self. see above.
Have you seen Matthew Mead’s fall website? He is an entertaining mega mentor – super, super, amazing – fresh and modern. It is hard to believe Halloween is next month, time to start thinking about costumes and parties. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. Hmm…what WILL Beatrice be? Any ideas?
(merci Desire to Inspire and Black Eiffel)
So the last few weeks I was feeling drained and uninspired so I looked for inspiration. And I found it. I have a few places to look for daisies of happiness, daffadils of amazement, and poppies of inspiration. When I am feeling blah, I often listen to music, read books and blogs, play on youtube, go for a jog or piddle about the back yard. Here’s one of the trinkets in my pick-me-up box, one of the flowers in my garden.
Here’s a youtube place that I visit. It’s one that I love. Alessandra (Ferri) is beautiful and so is Sting.
I am back. See, my secret handshake WAS good. We spent a relaxing weekend at the family beach shack. The island was nice yet terribly, horribly humid and hot. We did simple things. We frolicked in the surf and amid the breaking waves of an inward tide with Beatrice and Barry. We lounged. Hmm…what else?
Oh, I finished my book, The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards. I love to finish books! I am not too into fiction but I picked this up at the Newark Airport in a hurry to find something quick. I started reading it then, but didn’t really become engrossed in the powerful and sad novel until the last week. Since then, it’s been on-like-donkey-kong. I could hardly put it down. About sorrow, secrets and regrets it’s very gripping as it explores love, pain, heartache, and redemption. I recommend it if you are up for a good read.
We did a little shopping, too. Mama scored a new outfit plus one shirt. Hooray for me! I got to go on a walk/jog during the Georgia Game. Brian enjoys privacy during the game. I was able to see my sister and the cutest niece in the world. It was all great.
But, the best part of the weekend was a simple decision, the decision to buy a tomato from the island farmers market to top my sandwich. Wow. It was delicious. It is the best tomato I have had all summer. homegrown. juicy. delightful. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to buy four more on our way home. I have eaten tomato sandwiches ever since – tomato with American Cheese, tomato with feta, tomato with bacon. Ah, delicious.
All in all it was a terrific weekend.
it’s so hard for me to concentrate on the coolness of this idea because i can’t quit STARING at that, weird scraggly, squatty thumb! wtf? where was the stylist?Thank you friends and family. Ut. Hum. I said that with sarcasm.
found here* via Beach Bungalow 8
This recipe turns everybody’s favorite snack into a meal. Anything with Bacon and Ranch is good, you know?
Cook 4 bacon slices in a large skillet over medium-high heat 10 minutes or until crisp; remove bacon, and drain on paper towels. Coarsely chop bacon. Pour 1 (1.3-oz.) bag popped microwave popcorn into a large bowl. Toss with bacon, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 4 Tbsp. melted butter, and 2 tsp. buttermilk Ranch dressing mix. Sprinkle with ¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper, and serve immediately. Makes 2 to 3 servings.
Prep: 10 min.
Cook: 10 min.
Let’s hear it for Southeast Bulloch High School! And, even if you have no idea where this is you MUST watch this video. Valorie’s pink curlers and Chris’s mullet are the best. The eighties must not have been really that bad. Afterall the kids from that generation produced something as talented like this talented-well produced, Nineteen, Nineteen, Nineteen Eighty Five Spoof. It’s hilarious. Goooo Yellow Jackets.
“A growing body of research suggest that music, like art, pets and other creative forms of therapy, can stir emotions and memories, enhance enjoyment and self-esteem, and enrich the lives of people with dementia,” according to the University of Miami School of Medicine. More, “while people with Alzheimer’s lose the ability to speak or recognize loved ones as the disease takes its inexorable downward decline, many retain the ability to remember songs from long-ago childhoods.”
This considered, a super-fab play list is in order! It must include Paul Simon’s, 1986/87 Call Me Al. I love this song! My childhood memories are dotted with repeat performances of this song. Using the living room as their stage my Dad and my sister did a dance to this music that looks similiar to the one in the video. Yes. Yes. YES. The playlist MUST include this song! The pennywhistle solo is so recognizable, so this song, so whimsical and so fun.
Dad and his co-spiriter stepped from side to side while throwing their arm out upon reaching the end of each line. It was a family favorite. She totally got it, every naunce. They either twirled their arms in a circular motion or pretended to play instruments like in the Chevy Chase featured video.
Speaking of that video. It’s hilarious as it mocks lip syncihing and the big band performance videos of the eighties. Chevy lip syncs while Paul pretends to play instruments. I think the whole video was done in one shot.
Paul Simon is one of the great lyricists of this century as this funny tune is no exception. The words create a powerful and joyful tension that offers a shattering contrast between the mundane and the sublime. I think the first few verses are stream of consioucness while the final verse reflects his wonderment of Africa. I could be wrong as there is a school of thought that swears it’s wrapped around Alcoholism (Al) and Betty Ford (Betty).
While another group of people insist the lyrics are based on an incident at a party with his wife Peggy. Who knows? But, I think I am more on the right track.
In the case you are wondering, here are the lyrics to Call Me Al by Paul Simon:
A man walks down the street.
He says why am I soft in the middle now.
Why am I soft in the middle the rest of my life is so hard.
I need a photo oppertunity.
I want a shot at redemption.
Don’t wanna end up a cartoon in a cartoon graveyard.
Bonedigger, bonedigger.
Dogs in the moonlight.
Far away in my well lit door.
Mr. beerbelly, beerbelly get these mutts away.
You know, I don’t find this stuff amusing anymore.Chorus:
If you’ll be my bodyguard, I can be your long lost pal
I can call you Betty, and Betty when you call me
You can call me AlA man walks down the street he says
Why am I short of attention?
Got a short little span of attention
And whoa my nights are so long.
Where’s my wife and family?
What if I die here?
Who’ll be my role model now that my role model is gone, gone.
He ducked back down the alley with some roly poly little bat faced girl.
All alone, all alone there were incidents and accidents.
There were hints and allegations.(Chorus)
Call me Al
A man walks down the street.
It’s a street in a strange world.
Maybe it’s the the Third World.
Maybe it’s his first time around.
Doesn’t speak the language.
He holds no currency.
He is a foreign man.
He is surrounded by the sound, the sound.
Cattle in the marketplace.
Scatterings in the orphanages.
He looks around and around.
He sees angels in the architecture.
Spinning in infinity.
He says hey, hallelujah.(Chorus)
Call me
If you’ll be my bodyguard
I can call you Betty
Okay, so I can’t wrap it up there. Just to demonstrate how classic, progressive, far-sighted and open minded this artist is I am including some recent work. Here’s something more recent. Here is Fast Car – by Wyclef Jean featuring Paul Simon. Enjoy!
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