Freakshow Friday : Snake Edition

It's time for another installment of Freakshow Friday. Where I ask my readers to come up with a caption or story for a funny photo. My best friend will be the judge and she's one hilarious freakaziod. So, bring it! Here is this week's photo, this dude is hawt...

Is my make up too much?

You got a better one for me?

If so, you may just when this awesome award

and have bragging rights forever.
Oh...do I ever have an award for you!
You will win this brand spankin' new award!!

If you win then I'll link up to your
Blog and make a big deal
about how funny you are.
Simply leave your funny caption or story
in my comments section.

The winner will be announced on Monday.

Scenes From the Flea Market

I just love going to the Flea Market,
which is ironic because as a child
my father forced us to go every single weekend.

We would go after church and even went so far as to
bring a change of clothes with us
to change into after we went out to lunch
so that we would not show up
in our Sunday best.

We could get better deals if we didn't look too fancy.
We were very serious about finding bargains.

I digress...
despite being begrudgingly dragged
to the flea market throughout childhood,
I somehow now have a deep love for the place as an adult.

I enjoy the thrill of scanning the tables
covered in old junk in hopes
of finding a treasure.

The small collections
that gather in one place are fun to scout out to.

I always smile when I see the Hot Wheels all line up.

Oh and I enjoy so much
walking past colorful flowers as
their sweet scent swirls about the air.

The mexican candy is fun to explore.
So many strange and new flavors waiting to be discovered.

The table full of cables and wires
always looks like little black snakes.

What I love the most is stumbling upon
those items that you would only find in the south.

Like a Scarlet O'Hara doll resting on a dirty tablecloth.

Good ol' boys selling Watermelon
out of the back of a pick-up-truck.
I could eavesdrop for hours
as they sit and chew the fat with passer-bys.

A hat with a donkey perched on top.

Oh...and green tomatoes waiting
to be breaded and fried.

My mom bought a bag
and I said a quick prayer
that I would be invited over for lunch
when she made them.

Which I wasn't...thanks mom!
Just kidding.
Sort of,
but not really.

Food Dye Allergies and Behavior...

My weekly column is up
over at Athens Patch.
This week's topic...
how food additives affect behavior.

Please click here to hop over and join the discussion

Simply leave a comment over at Patch!
I'd love to hear about your experience.

Blogger vs. Mommy

I write because I love words. Somehow, I find it relaxing to sit with my thoughts and select word after word to fall in line, one after the other. Between this blog and my Patch Articles, I find myself writing a lot. It feels good yet with Mommy duties ever looming, laundry to fold, boo boos to kiss, and meals to cook, I am pulled into the real world as my thoughts sit in waiting.

This place calls to me and I have found so much solitude in the words that fall here. Yet, my real life that involves tangible relationships pulls me away from my computer. It becomes challenging to visit other blogs. It becomes hard to respond to comments and reach out to other bloggers. I know that this community thrives on communication and as my life gets busier and my to do list gets longer, I miss my on-line community. These relationships thrive on a give and take. So, what happens when a blogger has less time to give?

How does one balance it all? How do I navigate through writing as a profession and writing as a hobby? Of being a mommy and being a wife and trying to pretend that I am a halfway decent homemaker? I see the amount of comments left on my blog dwindling a bit, only a handful of loyal readers stop to comment daily and I treasure their support so much as I juggle my time. As I juggle all the words in my mind. As I juggle playing with my children, meeting deadlines, and exploring where my writing can carry me as a career.

I suppose that my real life has to take priority and I can't ignore the call from my children. I love this space and all the words that scream to be written, all the memories that beg to be documented, and the friendships that I have made. So, I will continue to carve out time to write for fun and try hard not to put pressure on myself to maintain a readership. Although I appreciate all the lovely feedback and treasure every single reader who stops by, a hug from the arms of my children should be more validation than a heartfelt comment any day.

52 Weeks of Happiness :: Week 21

My little superhero!

Last week we went to Superhero Camp at
the most awesome place in Athens,
Treehouse Kid and Craft.
It was beyond amazing!

Griffin was granted his superpower,
which was invisibility in a can.
He was told to never allow his parents
to open his superpower.

Which, I have vowed to never do,
lest he would discover that his superpower
was actually a can of green beans.

They wrote a pledge and recited
the words with their right hands
held high in the air.

They also used a secret identity name generator
to come up with their secret identity name.
Don't tell anyone but Griffin's name is
Buzz Gordon.

He was issued his cape
and they tested them to make sure that they worked
by running back and forth in front of the store.

Look at the determination on his face.
You can tell that he is trying
so hard to actually achieve flight.

This was the most adorable little group of scamps
to gather together in the name of justice.

Of course, all capes had to be retested
for flight capabilities
after their costume was complete.

They also couldn't resist testing their
wall climbing capabilities.
We all know that all successful
superheroes can scale walls.

It was just about the cutest,
most imaginative,
and fun week
that we've had all summer.

I adore the ladies at
Treehouse for being
so awesome
and craftalicious.

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Want to join me in my quest
to scout out happiness for a whole year?
Simply post a photo of something that
makes you wildly happy and tell us all about it.
Then, steal my button and include it in your post.
Don't forget to link up to Mr. Linky.

Friday Night Dates : 9

I'm inviting romance into my life
one Friday Night Date at a time
and documenting each one here on my little ol' blog.

I want to remember every detail
of these splendid home spun dates.

Date #9



Date #9


We had such a great time on this date night.
Roger suggested that we should watch the film The Philadelphia Story
because he had seen it as a teenager several times
at his Aunt and Uncle's house
and loved it.

It was so lovely to share something from his youth with him.
The film itself is such a classic romantic story
and really funny too.
The brandy in the Sidecar Cocktail
made my head swirl
as a sweet passionate kiss unfolded
between Jimmy Stewart and Katherine Hepburn.

I might have stolen a few kisses of my own.

Here are the recipes...
Sparkling Pear Sidecar

{From Rachel Ray}

Ingredients

* Ice* 2 ounces pear brandy, such as Poire Williams* 1 ounce triple sec* 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus one 2-inch-piece lime peel* 1 tablespoon sugar* Splash club soda

Directions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the brandy, triple sec, lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon sugar and shake vigorously.

2. Place the remaining sugar on a small plate. Rub the rim of a cocktail glass with the lime peel and press into the sugar. Toss the lime peel in the sugar to coat. Strain the drink into the glass and add the club soda. Garnish with the sugared lime peel.

Apricots with Basil-Goat Cheese and Almonds

Ingredients
* 4 ounces fresh goat cheese such as Laura Chenel, at room temperature* About 2 tsp. milk* 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil* 40 dried apricots, preferably Blenheim** 40 almonds, preferably Marcona or Marchini* 2 teaspoons honey
Preparation
1. Mix together cheese, 2 tsp. milk, and basil with a wooden spoon until spreadable. Thin with more milk if necessary.2. Spread a heaping 1/4 tsp. cheese on each apricot and top each with an almond. Drizzle with honey.

Winner : Digging for gold edition

We have a winner for this week's installment of Freakshow Friday. Please take note that my super hilarious and non biased best friend was the judge. Here are the top three in no particular order.

Caroline of Salsa Pie
I think I need a spoon for this one!

Linda D.
Did you say cheese or sneeze?

w
baby girl wanted a snack during her photo shoot.

The winner is...
Caroline of Salsa Pie

I think I need a spoon for this one!

Caroline of Salsa Pie
is the funniest blogger in all the land.
Now head on over to her blog

and marvel at this fantastic award she just earned
to proudly display forever.

Thanks to all the people who played.

Tune in this Friday for another instalment of Freakshow Friday!

Freakshow Friday : Digging for gold edition

It's time for another installment of Freakshow Friday. Where I ask my readers to come up with a caption or story for a funny photo. My best friend will be the judge and she's one hilarious freakaziod. So, bring it! Here is this week's photo, I love this kid...

I picked this one just for you.

You got a better one for me?

If so, you may just when this awesome award

and have bragging rights forever.
Oh...do I ever have an award for you!
You will win this brand spankin' new award!!

If you win then I'll link up to your
Blog and make a big deal
about how funny you are.
Simply leave your funny caption or story
in my comments section.

The winner will be announced on Monday.

You Capture : Beautiful Plants

I had the realization recently
that the appearance of blooms in my yard
act as a benchmark for my life.

When the Azalea bush pops up in April
I am filled with memories
and anticipation of the arrival
of warmer weather.
I feel the excitement of Easter Egg Hunts
and playing outside
and the sun shining in my face,

When the Gardenias bloom
just outside my front porch in June,
their sweet scent fills the air
and I think of the arrival of summer.

My memories stir as the perfume lingers
and I can't help but think of my children eating Popsicles
on the porch as we wait
for daddy to pull into the driveway from work.

The sticky juice drips down
their sweet bare chests
and the Gardenias smile in the background.

Then there is my gracious Miss Huff's Lantana.
She blooms in the heat of July
and her colorful blooms announce
a summer in full swing.

A time of freedom when the children run to and fro,
her sweet orange and yellow flowers
don't seem to mind the scorching heat
and I'm so glad that she makes her appearance
as the lazy days of summer pass us by.

Free Range Kids

My weekly column is up over at Athens Patch.
Today's topic-
Is the world a safe place for kids to roam alone?
I would love to know
how different areas of the country feel about this.

Please click here to join leave a comment
over at Athens Patch and join in the discussion.

My son is a wizard...

Last week we went to Harry Potter Vacation Bible School.
Now, this theme may seem unconventional
and a bit strange to the more conservative church goer
but the kids LOVED it!

We opened our minds
and our hearts and I'm so glad that we did.

Griffin really believed that he was attending Hogwarts.
Between bible stories and fellowship
we attended several magical classes.
It was pretty awesome.
The spirit was so playful and fun.

There was a messenger owl perched at the front of the sanctuary
that totally added to the feel of Hogwarts.

There were skits performed each night
to tell the story of Harry Potter.
It wasn't masterpiece theatre but it was so sweet.

We attended a wand making class where placed
a fruit of the spirit inside the wand
to remind us to conjure up the good things in life.
I can always use a little Faith.

Oh...we made wizard hats
and Griffin wore his everywhere we went last week.
His little wizard hat was perched on his head
as we walked through grocery store and
he attempted to cast spells on the poor lobsters in the tank.

We went to an herbology class
and planted rosemary plants
and played with essential oils
and it was just so imaginative and fun.

We had a great time worshipin' the Lord
and casting spells
and waving our magic wands
all during the church service.

I just had to share the experience with all you Muggles.

52 Weeks of Happiness :: Week 20

The swingset is up in our new backyard!!!

I don't mean to brag but
it is so spectacular with a three story playhouse.
What an incredible gift my mother-in-law
gave to our family!

It has been a true labor of love
to create the play area
for our wild boys and it is finally finished!

From clearing out the tall trees
to leveling the land,
we did it all with our own two hands.

So we decided to have a ribbon cutting ceremony
to celebrate the momentous occasion.
I made decorations and placed them with love.

It wouldn't be a celebration without cupcakes.
(Provided by Kids Kingdom Bakery, of course!)

We had a quick dedication on the slide
in front of our little family and my parents.
Griffin said a very short speech that went like this,
"Thanks Dad for all your hard work putting up the swingset...
NOW LET'S PLAY!"

There is a hidden picnic area
under the slide and the rock wall
that I know will house many many picnics.
It felt so nice to watch the first one unfold.

As I watched Griffin feel the thrill
of the wind blowing on his face
as the swing rocked back and forth,
I knew that our backyard home
was going to be a blessing.

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Want to join me in my quest
to scout out happiness for a whole year?
Simply post a photo of something that
makes you wildly happy and tell us all about it.
Then, steal my button and include it in your post.
Don't forget to link up to Mr. Linky.

Friday Night Dates :: 8

I'm inviting romance into my life
one Friday Night Date at a time
and documenting each one here on my little ol' blog.

I want to remember every detail
of these splendid home spun dates.

Date # 8

This was the date that almost didn't happen.
We had a super busy week, so
when Friday rolled around we decided to postpone it to Saturday night.
When Saturday night rolled around, we just wanted to go to bed.
We pushed through and in my exhaustion,
I managed to make a Honey Brie Pastry
that kinda looked like Steve Martin.
Impressive, I know.

As for our lovely date night...
the caramel walnuts were decadent,
the drinks were way too strong,
and the film was hilarious.
Any movie that has a
steamy sax solo in the theme song
is going to make us laugh.

We snuggled up and tried our hardest not to fall asleep.
I might have woken up drooling twice.
Ah, romance.

Here are the recipes:

CLEOPATRA'S STUFFED CARAMEL WALNUTS

Mix some almond paste with some orange extract. Spread this between two walnut halves. Melt some caramel candies with 2 Tbsp. water in the microwave and stir until smooth. Dip each whole walnut in the melted caramel and place on waxed paper to harden.
It is said this delicacy was fed by Cleopatra to her lovers to give them energy.

Honey Brie Pastry

{From Allrecipes}

1 (14 ounce) round Brie cheese
1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
honey

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Unwrap the wheel of Brie, and crescent rolls.
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough, and wrap around the Brie. Press seams together to seal in the cheese. Place in a 9x9 inch baking dish. Drizzle honey over the whole thing.
3. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown and cheese is soft.

Stargazer Cocktail

2 ounces Chardonnay, such as Night Harvest
1 ounce dark rum
½ ounce vanilla bean syrup
½ ounce pineapple juice
1 lime wedge

In a cocktail shaker, add all liquid ingredients and shake vigorously 10 seconds. Fill a highball glass with ice and strain cocktail over ice. Squeeze lime over top of drink and drop lime in to finish the drink.

Winner : Goth Edition

We have a winner for this week's installment of Freakshow Friday. Please take note that my super hilarious and non biased best friend was the judge. Here are the top three in no particular order.

Moooooog35
The first album cover from the new band,
"Flock of WHAT THE HELL?!"

Sue
Adoption: Perils and Pitfalls
by Ima Homemaker

Linda D.
Fiona wondered if answering a personal ad
to meet a pair of True Blood and Twilight fans
was a good idea after all!

The winner is...
Moooooog35

The first album cover from the new band,
"Flock of WHAT THE HELL?!"

Moooooog35
defended his title and is still
is the funniest blogger in all the land, damn it!
Now head on over to his blog

and marvel at this fantastic award he just earned
to proudly display forever.

Thanks to all the people who played.

Tune in this Friday for another instalment of Freakshow Friday!

Freakshow Friday Redux : Goth Edition

It's time for another installment of Freakshow Friday. Where I ask my readers to come up with a caption or story for a funny photo. We are spicing things up here and giving a funny photo from a past contest another day in the sun. I have a bout 500 more followers than I did when it originally ran so let's give it another go. See if you can beat the previous winner's caption. My best friend will be the judge and she's one hilarious freakaziod. So, bring it! Here is this week's photo, see if you can outwit Moooooog35!

...and every night their mama cried herself to sleep.

Think that you can beat that?

If so, you may just when this awesome award

and have bragging rights forever.
Oh...do I ever have an award for you!
You will win this brand spankin' new award!!

If you win then I'll link up to your
Blog and make a big deal
about how funny you are.
Simply leave your funny caption or story
in my comments section.

The winner will be announced on Monday.
{Previous winners will not be stripped of their awesome award}

Places We Love : Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, Inc

We recently took the boys on an adventure to

the Interactive Neighborhood for Kids Museum.
It's just a little jaunt away but so worth the hour drive.
It has officially been added to the places we love.

It offers tons of imaginary play for little ones.
with hands on exhibits that encourage kids to role play.

Griffin ran the baggage claim area
in front of Grandpappy Airlines
and was very busy making phone calls.
I guess that maybe a lot of pretend people
had lost their pretend luggage that morning.

Koen had his own Titanic moment
and was the king of the world for a brief second.
He also had a nasty run in with
a posse of mean mosquitoes
the day before so please excuse
his red bumpy conditions.
Who gets bit on the forehead by a mosquito...
my kid, that's who.

The 50's Diner was awesome.
The jukebox was playing the theme song to Grease
while the boys worked hard to
prepare a very yummy imaginary meal.
I got to kick back and boss them around
in the kitchen for a bit.



Oh and the pretend grocery store
was like heaven to little Koen.
He was very focused and very serious
about his shopping experience.

We had such a great time.
Anybody wanna go on a day trip with us soon?
I bet that our group of kids
would totally run the neighborhood.