Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

HAPPY MARDI GRAS!!!

I'm in a New Orleans State Of Mind....

With Mardi Gras season in progress my mind keeps floating down to the Mississippi to the infamous Crescent City. I just love New Orleans and I miss it so much. I believe you have two kind of people in this world, those who love Nawlins and those who don't. I'm a lover and fell head over heels for the unique charm it offers. I'm just saddened that the city doesn't have more funding to keep this vastly historical jewel clean. Many only see it as Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street. However, the city is dripping of historical homes filled with gorgeous antiques and lush decor. How I'd love to have a weekend getaway smack in the Garden District or French Quarter.

Coming Home

I'm literally counting down the days until this book is released. It comes out on March 6th. I'm obsessed with Southern architecture and have piles of books on plantations, hotels, and homes. I can curl up on the sofa and flip through the same book a million times. I never get bored looking over houses. They don't even have to be old homes but just Southern style homes. If I could grow up to become anything I wanted I'd be a wealthy Southern Belle with a big Southern mansion.

Here's another fantastic book by Ken Tate. Ken Tate is a very talented architect here in Mississippi. He has done a lot of work in Louisiana as well. He is truly a genius and I would do anything to meet him. I told my hubby one day I'd love to have Mr. Tate build us a dream home. His work is magnificent.

Just the way I'm rolling these days

Last Friday morning I took a nasty spill while climbing out of bed. Yes, I fell out of bed (turning red in the face). I'm almost too embarrassed to say anything. We have a large King size bed and I have a stepping stool with two steps that helps me in and out of bed. Unfortunately as I stepped on the stool and began to swing my leg around it got caught up in the blanket and I lost my balance. I fell face first  and hit my head on a side table and ended up spraining my foot/leg. Thankfully nothing broke and it was all one leg. I've been housebound ever since.

The first few days were awful. I had to keep my leg elevated so I've been trapped in my husband's recliner. If I never have to sit in this leather recliner again I'll be happy. I'm also a multi-tasker so just sitting around thinking of all the things that need to be done is killing me. I've managed to read a few books and magazines but I'm itching to get back to my daily routine. Have you ever watched television during an afternoon? Blah! Nothing is ever on.

I've been lifting my hand weights from my chair and also started doing yoga with my good side. I've even lifted my bed leg and I'm trying to do strengthening exercises for my foot. Today, after nearly a week, I was able to stand without applying a lot of pressure on that side. It's a huge accomplishment.

My husband and I are the youngest by far who live in this neighborhood. All of my neighbors are elderly so when they found out that I had fallen they all began calling trying to push their walkers on me. At first, I declined. However, as they began popping over with casseroles (remember, we do live in the South and dropping off a casserole is like a religion down here) one of my neighbors brought over a walker. I absolutely refused to use it because I was using my little chair on wheels to get around. However, finally I broke down and you know what......I LOVE THIS THING!!! I can really move around the house without help and I can carry all my goodies in that basket. I guess I live in the perfect neighborhood after all. :)

Southern Dreaming

I love Southern architecture  

Mississippi Museum of Art

I spent a fabulous afternoon touring the Mississippi Museum of Art with a friend of mine. My friend is not only one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet but a successful attorney and gifted artist. Her house is filled with beautiful paintings she has created through the years. Her art studio in her house is amazing. I would kill to have her art studio at my house. 

I've toured museums all over the country and in Europe. I'm so impressed with our little Jackson museum. I must say, there is some true talent in Mississippi. I think Mississippi often is underestimated for it's uniqueness. Mississippi is full of artist, writers, musicians, inventors, medical researchers, agriculture, oil & gas, etc. There's a lot of international business as well that takes place here in this little ole state. I'll have to do a post of some amazing facts that will knock your socks off about Mississippi sometime.

My friend introduced me to Glennray Tutor's work today. He lives in Oxford, Mississippi. I'm really amazed with his paintings. It's so life like. It truly feels like if I were to reach my hand out I could touch the object. His work is so much fun and makes me happy.

Currently I've become interested in photography. I loved touring the photo exhibits.  They even have an entire Southern wall dedicated to Mississippi photographers. Some of my favorites were taken in the Mississippi Delta. There is no other region like the Delta in all of United States. It's a very poor area of our nation but also holds much of history. That's where Blues music was born. You can even tour the legendary Blues Trail through the state. Stopping at Morgan Freeman's blues club http://www.visitthedelta.com/explore_our_region/clarksdale/ . Here's a link to the blue's trail http://www.msbluestrail.org/

I encourage everyone to get out and visit their local art museums. It's amazing the talent you find all around your community.

Kick off to 2012

I can't believe we are nearly approaching the end of January. Time surely has a way of sneaking by us when we're busy. I'm pleased to say that this year has taken off on a good note. We received hubby's grades back for 1st semester and he did exceptionally well. I'm very proud of him.


We started off the year by heading to the cottage. It was such a relaxing week recovering from the busy holiday season. We had brought steaks, shrimp, Louisiana sausage links, and wine. Hubby grilled while I baked a few things such as blueberry muffins for breakfast. We cuddled by the fire and read books for three days. It was awesome.

In the evening we'd watch the barges run up and down the Mississippi as the sunset began to melt away. I loved the solitude this trip provided. It really helps recharge the batteries when you don't have to compete with busy schedules or demanding electronics (i.e. correspondence).

I started back working out at the club. I have even broke down and hired a trainer. We have a love/hate relationship. I love him but hate what he makes me do, HA!

I've also started back at the yoga studio near the house. I'm really uncoordinated so I was a bit hesitant about taking yoga in a group setting. However, it has been really great. I'm really glad that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and made myself join. I always feel great after a session.

What have y'all been up to?