like molasses in winter

where you wondering where i've been?

well. 

my computer has been running verrrry sloooooooooowly.

some days, i don't even turn it on.

naturally, these conditions are not conducive to blogging.

i've been on a self-imposed hiatus.

hopefully this won't be lasting much longer!

here a few pictures of life since i've been gone: 

venturing out to enjoy the fall (and apple cider)

trying to go apple picking but actually going wine tasting 

having a weekend away in new orleans 

planting daffodil bulbs for the spring 

celebrating thanksgiving down on the farm 

enjoying the snow, snow, snow!

and having a very merry christmas 

here's to a happy new year! 

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!

"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.

september, lately

week one: the night streets came alive for the first fridays gallery hop downtown.  we wandered down trade and fourth, mesmerized sightseers in our own world, and ended the night with a drink at tate's.

weekend two: a quick jaunt to birmingham, filled with art and walks, family and friends.

and in between ... 

adventures in august

thunderstorms punctuating the weeks and briefly clearing the muggy air, 

my transplanting to a new house and a new side of town,

old and new friends and live music in the streets,

homegrown basil topping fresh tomato salad ...

i heart june

i've come to the conclusion that june is my favorite month of the year.  and this year's june just might take the cake.  activites have included: roadtrippin' to the ham, riding in a model-T, playing downtown, celebrating multiple birthdays, making new friends and keeping the old, and of course, swimming, swimming, swimming, and soaking up the fun.  here's a smattering of what i've been up to:

oh yeah, there was also some karaoke.

why not?

recently at borders, i was skimming a novel i'd just picked up when a man sat down in the chair across from mine.  i happened to look up and make eye contact; he took this as an opening and struck up a conversation.  it went something like this: 

him: what are you reading?

me: Lunch in Paris.  [pause] about a girl who has lunch in paris, and ends up falling in love and living there. 

him: so why aren't you going out and living it instead of just reading about it?!?

me: well... i have to get up and go to work in the morning. 

he continued by telling me that he is an artist who travels the world, giving painting demonstrations, making money, and having fun.  

so... what brings you to winston??

a mistake. 

oh, right, got it. 

we briefly touched on a random assortment of topics, including the materialism of the american culture (we are living like caged birds, he says), the bible, and the photos taken on the moon, but always returning to his preferred way of life.  

in the span of 45 minutes, he hinted repeatedly, in no uncertain terms, that i should follow suit.

he told me he's planning a trip to egypt to paint the pyramids (the dates aren't set yet). 

as Christ said, follow me, and leave everything behind.

i'm sorry, that's creepy.  and ... no. 

after he left, i went home, and the next morning, i got up and went to work.  i spent the evening with family and with friends.  

i do love travelling, but i also love being here. 

pink lemonade cake

world-famous deliciousness now available at a dewey's near you!

ten days

ten days till march 1

till my photography is on display-

till it's hanging on the walls

at simplyummy. 

please, come one, come all

and enjoy the show!

valentines day

i'm having a little trouble believing it's already the middle of month.

the snowy weekends and busy days have caused the past few weeks to blur.

time flies whether you're paying attention or not. 

and, here we are.

happy valentine's day!