have you been to old salem?

i went saturday, with friends, for the first time in years.  we dropped in at the holiday fair, then wandered the peaceful streets, wondering as we went that we were just steps away from winston's downtown.

it was a glorious i-can't-believe-it's november kind of day-- bright and sunny and warm.  the indian summer has melded seamlessly into a beautiful fall, extending the glorious days of fiery leaves.

we peeked into a few shops along the street, stopping every few steps to take pictures of this tree, that house...

and then we ended at the bakery.  mmm, yum.

i picked up a loaf of freshly baked bread, and i've been snacking on it the past few days.  it is delicious. (and almost gone!  maybe i'll head back over soon for another loaf.)
...
 one more for good measure:

 i love these colors ... and look at the green that's still on this tree!

for your entertainment

i went to see this movie last night at aperture.  it's kind of a funny story- definitely.  in a realistic, spot-on, non-clichéd kind of way.  two thumbs up.  plus, it's got zach galifianakis, emma roberts, lauren graham, jim gaffigan ... yeah.  go see it. 

this song has become a staple of the school-morning routine.  "my song!  put it loud?"  yes, we listen to it almost daily, i mean, sing it at the top of our lungs.  this morning, twice.  who needs coffee when you've got celine? 

"art for arts sake"*

the *AFAS group is rockin' the block (6th and trade) with the arts on sunday festival; it's going on downtown every sunday all month long.

a few weeks ago, a friend and i decided to check it out. 

blues filled the air as festival-goers browsed the wares and danced in the street.  sights, smells, sounds layered together, filling up the atmosphere with a rich, palpable energy.

i was fascinated by these guitars ... 

... and i was mesmerized by the hoola hoops.

i don't think i've ever seen so many-- they were everywhere!

 i loved the way the bright patterns whirled and twirled in the air, completing the carefree, colorful afternoon.

brrr ...

hat?  check.  jeans?  check.  uggs?  check, check.  

looks like fall has officially arrived.