Darius

My company is the main corporate sponsor for The Amp, a summer concert series in NW Arkansas. Last Friday night was our "team night" and we were treated to a not only our regular VIP passes, but backstage "meet & greet" passes! This concert was none other than the one and only Darius Rucker, AKA "Hootie" from Hootie & the Blowfish. I have to admit that I had very low expectations of this concert and almost didn't go. However, I had already invited 3 friends to go with me AND it was a beautiful day/evening and certainly didn't need to be wasted. I am so glad that I did go because it was THE BEST CONCERT! He played a little of everything...from Hank/Merle/David Allan Coe to classic Hootie and the Blowfish to Prince. He closed the concert with Purple Rain...

The picture below is from the Meet-&-Greet. We went through so fast that I barely remember getting a picture made (Thanks Heather!).

Bailey, Wendy, and Me

Ashley is missing from this pic...don't know where she was!

We were enjoying the beautiful evening outdoors at the Amp...good friends, good food, good music, good weather. Just doesn't get any better than that!

Springtime

"In the springtime, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt." ~ Margaret Atwood

Over the last 21 days, it has stormed here everyday! I feel waterlogged and have almost sprouted webbed fingers and feet! But somewhere in there, I got the wild hair to give my backyard, patio, and flowerbed a little "lift." It was actually spurred by my trip to Mobile... the afternoon I landed in NW Arkansas, I headed straight to Home Depot and bought flowers. The following week, I "shopped" online and found the perfect swing, chairs, tables, and rug. After feeling the tug all that week, I finally went to Lowe's on Thursday afternoon (in between rainstorms) and bought 4 whiskey barrels and vegetable plants. Realizing I over bought on vegetables half way through planting, I went back and bought 2 more whiskey barrels and even more flowers! Vegetables that I planted: 4 tomato, 2 crooked neck squash, 1 straight neck squash, 2 zucchini, 2 green bell pepper and 1 red bell pepper. In a few weeks they will either be vegetables or victims....we'll just have to wait and see!

The swing has only been hung a week, but I have spent more time on my patio this week than I have in the 2.5 years I've lived here! Oh, I cannot wait to see what the summer has in store!

Here are a few pics....enjoy!

Back Patio

(tables will be here shortly...)

The Garden

Dahlia's and (something else that I can't remember)

are planted in between each whiskey barrel of vegetables

closeups of the Dahlias

Zinnia's

Red Gerber Daisy (my favorite)

The birdhouse...need advice on what to plant behind it...suggestions???

Front yard - and street view of the garden on the left.

You really cannot appreciate this. It took me TWO days and TWO electric hedge trimmers to "tame" this jungle!

This snapdragon was planted 3 summers ago in a different spot...it keeps coming back!

1 of 3 planters across the front of my house

close up of "filler" flower. (that's what the tag said...)

Zinnia's (by MEK)

The highlight of my trip to Mobile a few weekends ago was visiting my friend, Mary Elizabeth's, art studio at her home. She is an AWESOME artist and her paintings just have that certain pop of color. Check out her blog, Painting A Day.

April Catch Up

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind! Work is keeping me very busy during the week and the weekends have been extremely full....work hard, play harder! This post will not be in chronological order as it will be long and there are certain things I want you to see should you only have a quick minute. No event was any less important than the other, but the "leading story" is just very special and I don't want you to miss it.

When I was a graduate student at The University of South Alabama in Mobile, I had the good fortune of working FOR and WITH 2 extraordinary women: Gina Hedberg and Barbara Wooley, respectively. These women are blessings in my life and I am so thankful for them. Gina was the "key" to my social life in Mobile as she sponsored me for Junior League and got me into triathlon mode (and introduced me to Melissa, another incredible friend). Barbara was the essence of grace and a Mobile Southern Belle. She was a beautiful person both inside and out. She and her husband, Larry, provided me and my friends many nights of Mobile Symphony and Mobile Ballet tickets (the good ones!). She was generous when she didn't have to be and truly loved people. She was a strong Christian woman whose faith was steadfast and unshakeable. Just after I graduated from Graduate School, Barbara was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She was a valiant foot soldier and went into remission about 1 year later. Oh, how we all cheered and celebrated God's goodness. It wasn't even a year after Barbara's remission report that the cancer came back with a vengeance. She fought bravely for 3 years solid. There were many ups and downs, hills and valleys. Barbara's faith never wavered. She always had that brilliant smile on her face and ALWAYS realized the positives. Although we who knew her and loved her were devastated, she knew where she was going should cancer not let her go. This assurance sustained her and gave her the most tremendous grace. I aspire to be more like that...and I am healthy!

During Barbara's 65 years on this earth, she and her husband, Larry, were avid supporters of the fine arts in Mobile. They were active in various charities. They gave freely of themselves and their resources. Barbara made her mark on Mobile. She made a big mark on me. Barbara died last winter (2008). The world definitely lost one of it's brightest angels. I don't remember what kept me from going to her funeral, but I know that I have always regretted it. I needed closure to completely accept the fact that she was really gone. Last month, March 2009, her husband, Larry, and 2 sons, Dane and Heath, immortalized Barbara. They erected a statue in her honor in the University of South Alabama's Women and Children's Hospital's Memorial Gardens. It's a wonderful sanctuary in front of USA Women and Children's Hospital in Mobile. The park is full of bronze statues that represent not only those who have lost their battle with cancer, but those who have had hand in the advancement of cancer research. I strongly encourage you to drive/walk these grounds the next time you are through Mobile. I promise you that it will be a blessing. While I was in Mobile last weekend, I made it a priority to visit Barbara's statue. It was beautiful! She stands at the front door of the hospital under the big oak tree in a small garden of colorful flowers....just as she would choose. Barbara was always gardening. Who knew that visiting the simple statue would bring me such closure and peace. Yes, I was sad, but I cannot think of a better way to remember such a wonderful person. Here are a few pictures:

Barbara, me, Gina
This was my graduation dinner at The Bakery in downtown Mobile (Dec 2002)

Barbara was always laughing and making other laugh, too.

Barbara and Me.
This is exactly as I remember her. Big smile, perfely manicured nails, and big heart

These pics were taken with my Blackberry...sorry for the poor quality, but I left BOTH of my cameras in NW Arkansas.

Front view of the statue

Under the big oak

Back of the statue looking towards the front entrace of USA W&C Hospital

Footstone

DOMINOES BALL

The sole purpose of my trip to Mobile was for the Dominoes Ball. The quick history of this Mardi Gras organization: Dominoes are closely associated with the Knights of Revelry (KOR) Mystic Organization in Mobile. KOR parades on Fat Tuesday and have their ball the first Friday night after Easter (Easter Ball). The Dominoes do not parade during Mardi Gras and they host their ball the 2nd Friday night after Easter. These are the only 2 Mystic organizations that host their balls after Fat Tuesday. (No organization can parade or host balls during Lent...ruled by the Catholic Church).

My friend, Melissa, was the Dominoes' Leading Lady this year. This is the highest honor bestowed on any Mystic Organization. For the ball this year, Melissa chose a Studio 54 theme. How fun it was to throw back to the Disco era! The ball was held at The Country Club of Mobile. The Tip Tops played until the wee hours of the morning and were awesome! They even dressed the part with big afros, wild costumes, and the perfect music. Here are a few candid of the night, but here is the link to all photos on Facebook. (Professional Pics are not yet available)

Melissa and Gary - the first dance
The dance floor was surrounded by all the members of The Dominoes while The Leading Lady lead the first dance of the evening.

Melissa, Gina (wearing her traditional Domino robe), and me


Melissa and Gary dancing

Melissa "singing" her heart out with the Tip Tops

*side note: just after this photo was snapped, a few of Melissa's friends were pulled on stage to be "back up". My worst fear was realized when the band leader had pulled my by the hand up front and center to DANCE a solo. There is not enough alcohol anywhere that would have made this fun for me.....later I realized that Melissa had put the band leader up to it....all I can say is that payback is a B****!

Me and Phillip

Gina and Mary Elizabeth

(both donning their traditional robes)

Just after Melissa and I went through the Memorial Park to see Barbara's statue, we went to dinner at Ed's Shed on the Causeway on the Bay. I couldn't help but take this picture of the sunset. It was so beautiful. It was good to be "home" in Mobile.

April 18. Aloft Hotel. Kara and Kelly's birthday party. This is the party that they had planned for themselves before the "surprise party" Easter weekend. Here are a few candids. All I will say about this is that a GREAT time was had by all!

Julie, Me, Courtney

Kara, Jenn, Allyson, Julie, Me, Courtney

Kara's favorite birthday present :)

Kelly & John Branca...playing pool and winning!

Company Party and Jason Meadows. Dr Pepper Snapple Group was awarded the Vendor of the Quarter for Q4 at Walmart Corp. This is a huge honor...especially considering our competition. (if you think real hard for 5 seconds you'll know who that is...) Everyone in our office has been working extra long hours during this "Relay/Mod Season". I've always known that this season of the Walmart calendar was rough, but living it is a whole different story. Long hours, 7 day work weeks, minimal sleep, and STRESS! The Senior Management decided that we needed a night out to celebrate all that we have accomplished as a team with our customer. So....they invited Jason Meadows to NW Arkansas to host a private concert. DPSG sponsors him corporately, so this was not that big of a request. The loft space above the Wine Cellar on Dickson Street in Fayetteville was turned into a casino and concert hall. Fun times!

Because we were celebrating and the travel distance between Rogers/Bentonville and Fayetteville, DPSG "shuttled" us from our front doors to the venue. No one ever mentioned what we would be picked up in, but we all assumed it would be a paddy wagon or 15 passenger van.....you can imagine my surprise (and my neighbor's) when this sweet ride backed into the culdesac. (Thanks Shelley for the pic!)

I was the first to be picked up, so I had a good 2 hour ride in the Hummer before ever getting to Fayetteville. FUN TIMES! However, my friend, Greg, patiently waited for me to arrive. He lives in Fayetteville and met me at the party.

me and Greg

Okay...those of you who have known me for any length of time know how I am always talking about "the Babington nose." My Mamaw Sullivan inherited it from her mother, (Cain family, actually) and she has passed it down to my Dad, Uncle Pat, and Aunt Cindy. My Dad has passed it down to me. I have always known that I had a big nose, but it wasn't until someone snapped this candid of me at the Company Party that I realized just how big it really was....all I see in this picture is Mamaw Sullivan's profile....family genetics, gotta luv'em.

Don't ask what I am trying to do here, but it's obvious that I am TRYING to dance....

Surprise Party & Easter

This weekend has been long anticipated for a couple of reasons. If you have been following my blog for any time at all you know that I have a "Football Family" here in Arkansas. This group of friends was formed as a means to get together every weekend and share a meal, watch a little football, and just hang out. We rotate houses every week. Now that football season is over, we don't get together every Sunday, but we get together often! One thing that I LOVE about this group of friends is that we all come from varying walks of life, life experiences, ages, backgrounds and perspectives. But one thing that we all have in common is that we love each other and like to have a good time! This coming week (Apr 14 & 18) Kelly & Kara turn 40. We cannot believe that they have reached this life milestone already! Of course, we couldn't let this occasion go uncelebrated without a little twist and an element of surprise....so....we decided to throw a little surprise party just among our group of football friends. The funny thing is that the girls thought that no one was going to throw a party for them, so they planned their own for next weekend! Little did they know.....

The plan: Everyone meet at Ross and Courtney's (5 doors down from one of the birthday girls, so this could get a little tricky). Jim and John were to take the girls to a cystic fibrosis fundraiser in Fayetteville (there was no CF fundraiser, but charity events are a dime a dozen up here this time of year, so they would never know the difference). Jim was to text Courtney when he left the house and headed over to John & Kelly's (birthday girl #2). Courtney was to wait 2 minutes then call Kara and ask her to come over and check out an outfit that she was wearing to an event that night.

The surprise: All of the football friends would be standing in the kitchen when Kara and Kelly walked in the house. Jim and John had arranged for a car service to take us all down to Fayetteville to a piano bar that we love, Willy D's.

The result: 2 VERY surprised birthday girls! They LOVED the evening and had a blast! Actually, we all had a great night (and Easter morning came WAY TOO early....)

The tiaras

The birthday cake made my yours truly...Butter cake with vanilla buttercream icing.

Courtney talking to Kara...hoping she takes the bait :)

Kara walking in the kitchen....she was the first through the door

Kelly right behind Kara. Priceless face.

Jim & Kara, Kelly & John

(the men were so glad that everything worked out so well!)

The girls:

Courtney, me, Kelly, Kara, Julie, Jazmin, Heidi

The men:

Eric, Steven (Mike's brother visiting from Iowa), Mike, John, Ross, Paul, Jim

The Football Friends

Loading up and heading to Fayetteville...watch out Willy D's!

Kelly & Kara playing along with the piano guys....

Easter Sunday

This morning we awoke to torrential rains and thunderstorms. If it weren't Easter Sunday morning, I would have just continued to sleep all cozy in my bed. However, I could not do that on THE Sunday mornings of all Sunday mornings! I braved the elements and headed to church for 9 a.m. service. Much excitment and anticipation welled within me as to what the service would bring...especially after last week was so awesome! I hate to say this, but I was sadly disappointed this morning. The service was rushed, no traditional music/hymns. There was a lot of upbeat rockin' and rollin' of new songs. Where was "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" or Dolly singing "He's Alive"?? I even turned to the Christian station on XM AND radio....no dice. Bad music selections for this most wonderful Sunday of the year! This is NOT the way I was hoping Easter Sunday would go. Needless to say, by the time I got out of the service, I was soaked from my trek inside, disappointed by the service (which lasted 30 minutes!), and lack of suplimental music from the Christian radio stations. Bad start to a supposedly good day. Mercifully, I met my neighbors for brunch at Crabby's. AWESOME meal with 2 awesome families! Day is looking up.... Football friends lunch at Kelly's at 1:00. I am so looking forward to this time with my Arkansas family. With each passing hour, the day is getting better. By the time I left Kelly's at 5:00, I am in a great mood and the day has been wonderful. God is so good to me.

I struggle being away from my biological family during the holidays. When this day didn't get off to a "right" start, I really started getting sad. Being tired from lack of sleep from the night before, the tears seemed to come too easily. By noon, when my parents called, I was a basket of raw emotion. The one thing that I am most thankful for is that my Football friends ARE there and that we all have only each other during the holidays. None of us have our family close by and we take seriously leaning on each other. God is good to me!

Tonight as I post, I realize that I have had a fabulous weekend! Even though today didn't get off to the greatest start (or the one I anticipated and expected), God had a divine day planned for me. It's all about perspective and managing expectations. I expected today to go one way and God wanted it to go another....He wins!

The absolute best 5 minutes of today was when Erin showed me the dessert that she made for us today. She is 12 years old and LOVES to bake. She is really doing a lot of things on her own these days and I am so proud of her! (especially since I gave her a cake baking lesson one night....) Here is Erin and her strawberry cake. (strawberry is my most favorite cake EVER!)

Erin and the best strawberry cake

VACATION!

Have you ever gotten to the point where if you didn't take a vacation, you felt like you were going to lose it?? Well, welcome to my months of February and March! I have been working 7 days a week and 12+ hours a day. It's called "Mod Season" in the Vendor world of Bentonville. I LOVE my job, but the time does come when one needs a nice break...no Blackberry, no Internet, no computer, and more importantly...no meetings! About 2.5 weeks ago, a good friend of mine called and asked if I wanted to take a trip. Immediately I said "YES!" So...after a little research, we decided to go to Williamsburg, VA. Both of us have wanted to visit there for some time and there was no time like the present to take action.

Day 1 - Monticello.

The first day in Williamsburg, we decided to drive up to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, in Charlottesville. It was only a 2 hour drive up the interstate and with rainclouds looming in Williamsburg, it seemed to be a great idea. Our plan seemed to be working until just before arriving in Charlottesville when the rain found us. Undeterred, we arrived at Monticello. The scenery up the mountain was breathtaking. Monticello sits on the very top of a mountain and if you've spent much time in the mountains, you know that when it's raining there is fog. Fog had settled all around Monticello and we could not see the town below and all the sites of the gardens. Despite the rain, Monticello was a highlight of the trip. A few things that I learned:

1 - I love European Parque floors.

2 - European window shutters that fold in/out on the INside of the window is a wonderful thing...and quite elegant. It's also a lot nicer looking than American blinds.

3 - Mulberry Row - the "road" around the grounds Monticello was a major industrial development in the days of Thomas Jefferson. There were woodworkers, nailsmiths, blacksmiths, gardeners of both produce and flowers/herbs and a smokehouse. These things were originally started as a means to provide for the residents of Monticello, but quickly became a source for the town surrounding it. These trades quickly became a way to financially support Monticello, also.

4 - Thomas Jefferson was a very interesting man. He had very detailed journals and business ledgers, but was no manager of money...odd, I know. He was in great debt when he died.

5 - Thomas Jefferson's book collection was the beginning of the Library of Congress as we know it today. His book room at Monticello is breathtaking....

After a full afternoon at Monticello, we drove back to Williamsburg for dinner. My friend, Mary Anne, has suggested that we have dinner at Barret's, downtown. We "happened" upon this restaurant as we were driving around and went right in....In a word? scrumptous! This restaurant was amazing. A definite "do again" place. The crab cakes were 2nd to none...and I know crab cakes!

Pictures at Monticello

Day 2 - Williamsburg - the Revolutionary City.

This is the very center of downtown and is closed to motor vehicles. It is 100% period style: houses, dress, actors acting a typical day, stores, taverns (restaurants), carriages, etc all in period style! It was like literally taking a step back in time and living it firsthand.

Here is the link to the pictures....words fail to describe this experience and pictures speak best.

Williamsburg I

Williamsburg II

Williamsburg III

Day 3 - Jamestown Settlement
This was my least favorite day. Jamestown was where the FIRST settlers landed in the very early 1600's (1607?). When I think of early American History, I automatically think of the American Revolution Era (1700's). The 100 years before that when the settlers first came to Jamestown, life was tough and strict under British rule. The main takeaway for me was understanding the conditions in which the early settlers traveled and survived just to have the hope of a new world. These flagships were small and carried men, women, and children shoulder to shoulder across the icy Atlantic seas for 4 months! At best, these conditions were inhumane. Actually seeing the ships replicated in actual size and layout, really hits home the understanding of what our ancesters were hoping for...

Jamestown Pictures
Powhatan Indian Site Pictures

Day 4 - Yorktown

This was the "I wish we could stay longer" place. Yorktown is quaint as it sits on the Bay and hosts all sorts of boats...sailboats, mainly. There is a small beach and a riverwalk that hosts the cutest shops, restaurants, and museums. Yorktown was pivotal in the American Revolution as that is where Cornwalis surrendered to George Washington.

At Yorktown, we went through a very interesting Museum: The American Revolution Victory Center. At this museum, we walked along a timeline that started in the mid-1600's and ended at 1777, a year after the Declaration of Independence. This timeline helped bring all that I had seen in the days prior full circle. It was quite fitting that I had started my "tour" in the home of the man who wrote the Declaration (and actually saw the desk in which this great document was created) and finished it at the "end" while experiencing all the happenings that brought this great country to and through that point.

Yorktown Pictures

Today, I am back at home. I have just cleaned my kitchen from lunch where I was surrounded by all my "Arkansas Family" today. I feel rested, energized, and thankful. Today has been good.

Before I close, I just want to reflect briefly on Palm Sunday. It's the day that many years ago, Jesus rode through the city as people waved Palms. They were excited that Jesus had come. Palm Sunday is the start of Holy Week...the days leading up to Easter that represent Jesus' arrest, crucifixion, death, and Resurrection. Everything in the Christian life pivots on Easter. Without the happenings of this week, Christmas and any other Christian event would be unmeaningful and unimportant. In this single week, God brought all of his promises to light and gave each one of us hope. Hope for a future, hope that we are loved and hope that we each have a divine plan. I don't know about you, but I have been too busy. Too busy working too hard, too stressed and many other excuses to fully reflect on this season as I should. How can I be too "anything" NOT to reflect and be thankful for all that God is and has done for me?? I am blessed. I have a fantastic life. I am healthy. I have friends who love me. I have family who love me. And I take it all for granted. This week, I will be thankful. This week, I will mediate. This week, I will be all that I can be.

...and next Sunday, I will celebrate!

The picture at the beginning of this post is my favorite picture of the week. Such a simple daffodil and yet so beautiful. Someone (i.e. Mom or MEK) should use this in a painting....???

Below are the rest of my favorite pictures:

Guardsman at the entrance of the Govornor's Palace

Shoes of our "House Guide"

A tree at Monticello...so foggy and misty that everything was in a haze.

Cross monument at Jamestown representing the first settlers of this first city in the New World.