Summer birds and books

Got up, had coffee on the patio, and did some discovering in the backyard.  

I've been itching for a new place.  So this morning I thought it'd be a good idea to reconsider my home and rediscover the things I love and appreciate about it. 

Eggs in the real fern.

I love this little shed.  It's so charming and captures the aesthetic of the whole home and yard.

We've got baby birds in the fake fern again this year.

Side note pertaining to nature: We saw a king snake last night while walking Bailey.  Heebie jeebies!

New goal for the summer: read a book a week.  I've started the stack of books on my bedside table on and off all year.  Now that I've got the time, I want to complete all of these plus some:

Sex God, Rob Bell

Love Wins, Rob Bell

Jesus Wants to Save Christians, Rob Bell

Traveling Mercies, Anne Lamott

Daybook, Anne Truitt

Brideshead Revisited, Evelyn Waugh

On the Road, Jack Kerouac

Why be Happy When You Could be Normal, Jeanette Winterson

Bean burgers are for the birds

Literally.

Ketchup

Hi.  It's been awhile.  Time has been moving along rapidly but I've finally reached a standstill.  If not for a moment, anyway.

Here are some things you missed:

Sayrah and I visited the Catfish Festival.  You know the saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do?" Well, when in Ware Shoals, do not do as the Ware Shoalians do.  We skipped the catfish and fled after finding the the homespun ice cream was, indeed, too close to home when it was made.

Unfortunately I lost the great picture of the what-would-have-been fountain in the center of the festival with millions of tadpoles (and probably some crawdads) living there. 

I'm usually down for anything, and I love a good festival.  But I must admit, I won't be returning to any one with catfish in the title.

I haven't had to do much traveling to and fro lately.  Update on Papa: He is still in the rehab hospital and my grandma has been staying at an assisted living place near their home.  He will go home in about a week and my sister has decided to basically give up her life to take care of them.  Unselfish? Yes.  Was I involved in this decision? No. The right thing to do? Maybe. Maybe not.  Sigh.  Time will tell.  Let's just pray for the best, and for honesty and faith in others.

The first day on the lake:

Everyone made fun of how often CB and I lathered on the sunscreen.  Notice my over protection?  Yes, I'm wearing at least a 30 or 45 (but you could probably tell from the picture, right?).  It's funny, I wear minimal make-up, I prefer hair that I don't have to do anything with but shampoo, I'm pretty low-maintenance (okay, maybe not when it comes to dresses or shoes).  But isn't it funny how ridiculously cautious I am when it comes to my skin?  Sunscreen every day, always sunglasses, a hat when I'm outside, moisturize every night.  Mama teases me relentlessly about being powder.  The truth is I'm not conceited. Both of my grandmothers had skin cancer.  One was a major tanner.  (One of my favorite stories is of her tanning topless with a foil visor around her face and Preacher Johnny unexpectedly driving up).  I'm trying to eliminate any possibility that I might also get it.  And of course it won't hurt to (hopefully) look 30 when I'm 50.  But I think I've got pretty good genes in that department. 

Speaking of genes, Mama found out she has celiac disease.  So what am I trying to do?  Start a gluten free diet.  The first thing I've noticed about anything gluten free is that it's almost twice the price of any regular item.  That seems so telling of the world that we live in, the things that are natural, that are better for you, are double the cost compared to over processed crap.  I'll be able to keep up the diet if I get another job. 

 (Not naked) CB.

 Mama

Roomie

Peaks of the Weeks:
We're getting a new preacher in 3 weeks.  The current preacher won't be leaving on good terms, but he will be leaving.  And I'm stoked.

The mane is getting cut on Thursday.  I have missed you, short hair, and I eagerly await our reunion.

Finished a few new sculptures....pics to come.

My spine is behaving well, according to the chiropractor. 

Keep your fingers crossed that I get this second part-time job I've applied for.

The next few weekends are booked with exciting things. I'll keep you posted.

Rise and shine, Clementine!

It's early. And if you know me, you know that anything before 9 am is not worth it. I need my 8.5 hours to be a pleasant human being.

However, there is really something about watching the sun reach it's full potential in the morning. There's positivity and clarity in a quiet morning drive, sans radio or cell phone.

After a monster of a week, I get the feeling that everything is going to be alright, maybe it's because of the good morning vibes or the fact that I'm unusually bright eyed and bushy tailed. One might even say pleasant.

Maniacal Mother's Day

Today was a weird, crazy day. 

A friend who came to church asked me if my preacher can read because it sounds like he cannot.  Not to sound cruel, but I'm not really sure either.  The eyesight is a problem....but if you must read your prayers from a piece of paper, increase the font for pete's sake. 

The ever existing confusion that ALWAYS comes to surface  when the family tries to plan lunch reared it's ugly head after church.  We tried to herd the crew to a town fifteen minutes away but of course things are never, ever simple and always, always, always complicated.  (As my wise Papa used to say, "Too many chiefs, not enough Indians.")  There was cussing and unnecessary dramatics once the eating finally commenced.  Good grief, this may be why I despise drama and poor planning.

Mama and I had a surprised visitor while we were napping.  I won't go in to details but there was an awkward hug and what sounded like a coming to Jesus outside.

Midday there was a trip to the ER.  As far as I know, things are okay with Papa but we are still waiting to hear.  It takes your breath away and strikes fear in your heart when you see someone so strong suddenly appear to be very frightened.  I got to see my sister (who turned the big 4 0 on Friday) and Grandma.  I owe my sister so much when it comes to the grandparentals.  I don't know how she does it and I always feel so small and superfluous when it comes to the help she provides them. 
Grandma may not know what is going on half the time but she has killer wit.  "How old am I, 84? Why am I still alive?!"

After two trips back and forth to Greenwood, I'm finally home and I'm exhausted.  I foresee this being a long week. 

On a good note, a cousin is pregnant again and there are two cute little kittens on Mama's porch.

An image flood of newfound inspiration

Mow.

Took a trip to the Mint Museum with the Sandy and Ember.  Saw lots of amazing art and am feeling inspired and excited about the possibilities. 

Funny pics of last day at PTC

No, they aren't snorting illegal things. We experimented with using straws to blow ink around glossy paper. And ate cakies and drank Caprisuns. They will be missed!