tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57418629161564542602024-02-21T03:41:23.608-05:00carolina postcardcarolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.comBlogger419125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-21432930283200661492014-08-31T11:22:00.003-04:002014-08-31T11:22:34.886-04:00harpeth river baptismThis morning as I was scrolling through some pictures, choosing which ones to print off, I stopped at the folder from May. Our family celebrated a big event in the most beautiful way. Oakes was baptised in the Harpeth River surrounding my family's farm. <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/14907512339" title="IMG_8356 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8356" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3836/14907512339_ae655df24f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/14907762769" title="amelia-mimers by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="amelia-mimers" height="324" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3861/14907762769_003cecaa85.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Life sure has a way of coming around full circle. The place Rev. Becca Stevens guided us through our vows 6 years ago and here she was blessing our baby in the same spot. Love and community and nature were floating through the air and circling around each child. As musicians played the huge crowd took turns walking down to the river to watch each child be blessed in the holy water. We circled around Oakes in the water and prayed for him as he was dunked, raised, and blessed in the cold Harpeth river water. Our dear friends Currier & Patrick are Oakes Godparents and we were so honored to have their presence and love for our boy. <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/15071193406" title="IMG_8362 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8362" height="348" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3888/15071193406_0e2b4cc5a8.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/15094089762" title="mom-baptism by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="mom-baptism" height="329" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3906/15094089762_aa830f6edf.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/15071196316" title="IMG_8361 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8361" height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5570/15071196316_7b6dd81e8f.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<i> </i><br />
<i>The prayer we said for Oakes:</i> Let your eyes shine with the brightness of God's love and may it light your path with grace and wonder. We rejoice and give praise for every creation made beautiful by the hand of God. Blessing all in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/15091432011" title="oakes-sleeping by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="oakes-sleeping" height="328" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5552/15091432011_3fd5c9bbda.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<i>Becca said it the best: </i> I have always understood baptisms are really a blessing by the babies to the communities that gets to embrace and welcome them, but to see such abundance and beauty on the farm named abundance on the most beautiful day of the year was breathtaking. Each family came with its own story of joys and sorrows, fears and hopes. But down by the riverside it got laid aside for the sake of love for a minute. We just got to feel how blessed we all are by being in each other's lives and holding one another as we try and embrace an eternal love in our temporal bodies. It makes sense to me now to do that in the river water. It is an endless flow that moves by us quickly. <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/15093963292" title="river-baptism by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="river-baptism" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3879/15093963292_cb2d6469e1_z.jpg" width="480" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/14907767907" title="currier-oakes by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="currier-oakes" height="607" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3858/14907767907_2328614a5d_z.jpg" width="500" /></a>carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-69876322622526207602014-06-06T13:39:00.001-04:002014-06-06T13:39:25.379-04:00oakes - six months and growingOh, the poor neglected 2nd child. I have been terrible about taking photos, don't have a baby book, haven't decorated a proper nursery, haven't made my own baby food this time, and on and on. So without further ado I dedicate this post to my dear baby Oakes. The most easy-going, happy-go-lucky, sweet child of mine. Big as pie eyes, lips like his daddy, and rolls for days. No tellin' the number of kisses those cheeks get daily. <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/14346060072" title="IMG_7944 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7944" height="333" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2904/14346060072_b3a14252ea.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/14161023108" title="IMG_1825 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1825" height="499" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2900/14161023108_aaa32f31cd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
His big eyes wander the room, following the chaos and music in the air as I cook. We're at the 7 month mark now and he sees everything. He loves to sleep on his tummy and he's even started sitting up. Big boy loves the ladies and cries when men speak too loudly or even when they don't. He's a sensitive fella. Loves to suck his thumb. Reaching, grabbing, and everything in his drooly mouth. Too big for his infant seat, but we still haul him around in it just because. Just beginning to sit up on his own with pillows surrounding when he topples over. We started food a few weeks ago and bubs can take it down. I forgot how hilarious that process is. His mouth pops open wide like a baby bird, waiting for the spoon to land softly in the right spot. Sometimes I miss. We're in this glowy, happy stage of life and I want to remember it all. <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/14173613649" title="oakes-easter by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="oakes-easter" height="750" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2904/14173613649_76e7133eae_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/14344368181" title="IMG_2213 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2213" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5273/14344368181_2ebcae97c8_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
One task I did finally mark off my list was designing O's announcements. I was out photographing them recently for the <a href="http://tennhens.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tenn Hens blog</a> when I spotted a lone deer in the field. It was a happy sign of approval since there's a tiny fawn in the design. <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/14160974559" title="IMG_8088 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8088" height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5119/14160974559_8ed534c468.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/14367882403" title="babyO_3 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="babyO_3" height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5554/14367882403_b572b98b86.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
So my dear little Oakes, you may be second by birth, but there is enough love for all and we certainly do love you beyond measure.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/14174054357" title="IMG_2267 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2267" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5035/14174054357_b0cce7f3f8.jpg" width="492" /></a>
carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-7244382636445014982014-06-04T16:20:00.000-04:002014-06-04T16:22:04.858-04:00may flowersIt's hard to imagine cold and dreary days anymore and that is just fine by me. Everything is warm and blooming. Tonight Miriam and I stayed outside in the driveway drawing with chalk until bedtime. She tell me what to draw, princesses, animals, etc., then she colors them in. Daddy is traveling a couple days a week so there's lots of girl talk and tea parties with a baby bouncing in the doorway. Oakes is obsessed with his jumper and those little chubby legs are getting mighty strong from all those squats. We're finally in a groove around here and I even manage to get a real dinner on the table from time to time. <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/14160626968" title="touching_toes by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="touching_toes" height="536" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3888/14160626968_dedd109319_z.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/14343943161" title="belle-mimi by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="belle-mimi" height="667" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2933/14343943161_5564e1a1d3_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/14347370335" title="IMG_1762 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1762" height="667" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/14347370335_8bd98c022f_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
I had a very short, but very fabulous get away with some girls in the mountains. We laughed so much my stomach hurt and I don't think there was a silent moment the entire 24 hours. there was so much to catch up on! Little dance party before supper and a serious good meal in between the chatting too. <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/14346434014" title="IMG_1533 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1533" height="500" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2918/14346434014_cacffa03d6.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/14160622678" title="IMG_1536 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1536" height="667" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5279/14160622678_bdcc113dea_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/14160781597" title="IMG_1562 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1562" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3926/14160781597_d20bd5c953.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Then came Christmas, I mean Steeplechase. My favorite day of the year in Nashville. Our Greenville friends, Mary Frances & Austin, came in town + my brother had his college buddies in and we all had the very best time. The horses, the people, the pims cups… my perfect day. After an incredibly long day we woke up early Sunday and spent Mothers Day out at my parents house with all the out-of-towners. Little fried chicken, mashed potatoes and okra to soak up all the good times. <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/14160611779" title="IMG_1600 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1600" height="500" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2902/14160611779_4cf5d2f083.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/14160678860" title="IMG_1644 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1644" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5235/14160678860_99f951c4d1.jpg" width="500" /></a>
carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-72047497779131619382014-04-05T23:26:00.000-04:002014-04-05T23:26:17.079-04:00hit with a frying panI know. I'm totally not a blogger anymore. It's hard to believe 3 months have already gone by since we left Dallas, but what can I say except time flies. It has not been without its hiccups, but I thank my lucky stars we're home.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/13434083484" title="miriam-drawing by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="miriam-drawing" height="600" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3700/13434083484_65cdcb3b0b_o.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
I'm coming out of that newborn baby haze and starting to acclimate back into the real world. I'm a workin' gal again and we found a nanny I absolutely adore, which has made the transition mighty smooth. Mimers is in school a few days a week at a sweet program nearby and the gal has quickly made a whole new set of girly pals. She is my social butterfly! Oakes is 4 months now which is cray-crazy! It's totally different this go round and he's the most laid back big bopper. His big ole smile is so sweet I can't tell you and he makes all sorts of funny baby noises. He touches his toes and is starting to roll around a bit. Loves to be naked, watch big sista, drool a lot, grab dangly toys, have his hair brushed, and this muchacho-man is a sleeper. Been sleepin' through the night since 12 weeks… pinch me. I paid my dues with Miss Mimers so I totally deserve this! I squeeze those jelly-roll legs and kiss that tummy
constantly, wishing he could stay a baby forever. He is so precious and I
keep reminding myself to take all this baby time in, because this is
probably our last one. This big ole boy sure has my heart in a big way. I didn't think I could love anyone the way I love my girl, but I've learned your heart & soul grow when you have a child. That love grows and grows and surrounds you and surprises you with its strength.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/13433963304" title="happy-baby by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="happy-baby" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/13433963304_d4e7624689.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
A little wrinkle in the sheets was a nasty virus that rolled through the Cross household last week. Both babies got sick in a HORRENDOUS kinda way. Runny noses, hacking coughs, ear infections, sick husband, spit-up, no sleep, and 3 trips to the pediatrician in 1 week. Lordy help me!! Just when I thought we were in a pretty easy routine and all was good, it went downhill fast. Whoever said having a second child was easy?! My cousin Lauren's husband said "having a second child is like a frying pan to the face'. Lordy, will I ever not be tired? And can I just say that 3-1/2 is a really hard age? I find myself negotiating with a 3 year old… a lot. Oh and bribing. I bribe a lot. <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/13433559615" title="daddy_moosh by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="daddy_moosh" height="324" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/13433559615_3e6b5e6f02.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/13433953544" title="green_paci by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="green_paci" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3758/13433953544_597581e5cf.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/13433590675" title="two_peas by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="two_peas" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/13433590675_dbe9e458a0.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
Our rental house is doing just fine for now, but I'm scouring real estate listings every week in hopes of finding our perfect home soon. I am beyond anxious to <i>really</i> settle into a home, get everything out of storage, and start having friends over again. Some day. At least for now, I am thankful to have folks dropping by, kids running around our tiny space, and trips out to my parents farm when we're in need of some fresh air. Trevor and I took a trip down memory lane recently and went to 2 Widespread shows in 1 week. Yes, we're teenagers sometimes. We drove with some friends out to Mcminville to hear them play underground in the caves, then went downtown to the Ryman over the weekend. Just like old times, except that now I'm old and have kids that wake up extra early in the morning. It was fun, but I can barely hang anymore!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/13433695893" title="cave-show by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="cave-show" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/13433695893_f278954d15.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/13433941954" title="cumberland-caverns by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="cumberland-caverns" height="493" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/13433941954_c169931a34.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/13433560305" title="tailgating-men by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="tailgating-men" height="667" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7356/13433560305_93fb81ae2a_o.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
Miriam loves to whisper silly secrets in my ear lately and tonight she said in a really soft voice… "mommy I love you very very much and you're my best friend". There is no doubt it is all hard. Good days and bad days. Feeling like I'm in my groove one minute and then loosing it the next. But even on the hardest days I'm feeling like life is pretty darn good. There's more to say and more to catch up, but if I don't hit publish now I probably won't blog for another three months. So here's to hoping for more sun shiny spring days ahead and fewer frying pans to the face! <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/13657373025" title="outside by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="outside" height="667" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/13657373025_f22967b349_o.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/13657308093" title="IMG_0548 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0548" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5248/13657308093_440db65a8d.jpg" width="500" /></a>carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-84445286980902595242013-12-16T22:11:00.003-05:002013-12-17T09:47:30.118-05:00see ya big DWell… here we go again… boxes are stacked, china is packed, clothes are being stacked, and our house is complete chaos. And this is all the week after an ice storm that took out our power for 3 days!! Lord help us we have lost our minds and are moving back to Nashville the week before Christmas with a 3 year old + 6 week old baby. Umm, mommy needs a drink. And a REAL nights sleep, but I don't think that's happenin' soon so we'll stick with the cocktail. Trevor's job is taking us back home (hallelujah!!!!!) and it has happened so fast I can barely stop spinning. Tomorrow is the day. It's all happy stress though because I'm going H-O-M-E. And so much sooner than I ever could have hoped. Just when we were settling into life here Dallas & making some friends, but I'd be lying if I said we weren't over the moon. It's been real fun, but now let's high tail it out of here for the holidays. One more year without a proper tree in our own home, but I've had the holiday tunes cranked so we're totally in the spirit. Plus Miriam doesn't really notice that we're the only scrooges on the block without decorations. <br />
<br />
Two years of growth and countless memories have been made here in the big D.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11412317855/" title="IMG_3048 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3048" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2892/11412317855_cfae602032.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
Moved into a tiny apartment.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11412352075/" title="IMG_9883 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9883" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3718/11412352075_a0dc0222fe.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
New job for T. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11412492483/" title="IMG_9295 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9295" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/11412492483_73284585ac.jpg" height="500" width="333" /></a><br />
Had our home featured in the Dallas Morning News. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11412716584/" title="NG_13Hom13.jpg by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="NG_13Hom13.jpg" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/11412716584_3429177f48.jpg" height="410" width="500" /></a><br />
Watched our Miriam turned 2… then 3.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11412457253/" title="IMG_2091 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2091" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/11412457253_fb82b97804.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11412363196/" title="IMG_0937 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0937" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7445/11412363196_8894f56a2e.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11412315005/" title="IMG_3780 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3780" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5539/11412315005_f3f268ee81.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11412332584/" title="IMG_3021 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3021" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/11412332584_beffb2e120.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a>
<br />
Adopted a dog.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11412308425/" title="IMG_4751 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4751" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/11412308425_aa2ceffa48.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
We lost someone really special and we're still mourning. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11412327225/" title="IMG_0001 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0001" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5528/11412327225_0337a936da.jpg" height="408" width="500" /></a><br />
I got pregnant.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9397047862/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3665/9397047862_22d3f607b1.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
Discovered <i>real</i> mexican food and Miriam became a queso obsessed Texan. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11412678265/" title="IMG_9686 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9686" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3817/11412678265_8609767e6b_z.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a><br />
Found a wonderful little school for Mimers that she adored.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11412263825/" title="IMG_8897 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8897" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/11412263825_ab6bfaeb63.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
Made some new friends and became even closer with some old.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11412691396/" title="IMG_3602 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3602" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3682/11412691396_04e3e605b1.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />
Baby Oakes was born.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11412601696/" title="IMG_6964 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6964" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5498/11412601696_ef8be35846.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
We have been through a lot, but we're surviving & thriving and we're
stronger because of it. We learned how to be with only our little family of 3… and now 4… comppletly on our own. I've opened my eyes to a bigger world, and found my
way in a brand new town. It's been quite a trip… until we meet again Big D!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11412606306/" title="IMG_8612 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/11412606306_cec7b8b358.jpg" height="488" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11412391744/" title="IMG_2793 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2793" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7337/11412391744_940567b9cd_z.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a>
carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-81435284969562820652013-11-25T15:42:00.001-05:002013-11-25T15:42:16.800-05:00baby OakesHe's here and came right on time! Preston Oakes Cross arrived November 1st at 2:35.<br />
<i>{Preston is Trevor's momma's maiden name & Oakes is simply a name we loved}</i><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11054011066/" title="IMG_8255 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8255" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3688/11054011066_2561441da8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
My momma arrived right on time the day before on Halloween. We went trick or treating with Miriam that evening and did a ton of walking which I think got things going. I felt a little funny before bed, but had a full night sleep until I woke up with some pains around 6 am. At first I wasn't really sure it was it since I hadn't experienced going into labor on my own the first time, but after an hour or so I was pretty sure this was the real deal. By the time I got to the hospital and checked in I was 6-7 centimeters so it all happened pretty fast. All I can say is it was completely surreal. I was calm and nervous and just emotional all over, but he was perfect. 10 fingers, 10 toes and big like an oak tree at 9.1 pounds. I got to hold him immediately and Trevor, my mom, and I just stared in awe at this new baby boy. Miriam came the next morning with my mom and was beyond thrilled with her new role as big sister. She kept saying, "awe, he's so cute" over and over. She truly is the sweetest girl! <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11053085556/" title="family-2 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="family-2" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/11053085556_360f43061d_z.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11053085046/" title="miriam-baby by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="miriam-baby" height="494" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/11053085046_f1e244f24b_o.jpg" width="500" /></a>
The last few weeks have been a blur, but we have slipped easily into our new life with this tiny muffin. Building fires with him snuggled up close by in the bassinet. Winter temps swept in and dumped leaves on every spec of our yard this weekend. Cool temps have kept us mostly inside, but I ventured out a few times and had to pinch myself to see two car seats in the back seat. A mommy indeed. The late nights and short stretches of sleep are definitely taking a toll on my eyes, but it really is happy exhaustion this go round. It helps to have a warm snuggly baby in those wee hours. Oakes, we are sure glad you're here and already feel blessed beyond measure.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/11055517843/" title="IMG_8509 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8509" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7421/11055517843_8c31018ac8.jpg" width="500" /></a>carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-87664694117424713782013-10-15T15:24:00.001-04:002013-10-15T15:30:26.675-04:00goings on in the big DI know… 2 posts in 1 week… crazy talk, but on a roll for a change. We've been exploring Dallas even more lately and hit up the new <a href="http://www.dallasarboretum.org/children/rory-meyers-children-s-adventure-garden" target="_blank">Children's Garden at the Arboretum</a>. Well, lordy pete! I thought Miriam would be excited, but her momma & daddy were just as thrilled. Nooks and crannies to explore at every turn with so much detail blooming everywhere. What a lucky place to have here. Our Moosh was off and running with shoes & socks off before we could stop her. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/10296432933/" title="child-garden4 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="child-garden4" height="667" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7320/10296432933_5694f39dd5_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/10296330275/" title="child-garden2 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="child-garden2" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5535/10296330275_785707264b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/10296330895/" title="child-garden1 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="child-garden1" height="667" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/10296330895_754311cfd5_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/10296318675/" title="child-garden3 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="child-garden3" height="667" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/10296318675_b29efa79b6_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Other tidbits…
I badly want to see this movie called <a href="http://www.muscleshoalsthemovie.com/" target="_blank">Muscle Shoals<span id="goog_1882918367"></span><span id="goog_1882918368"></span></a>.<br />
<br />
Got out of my office one rare morning and had coffee at this hip spot down the street called Mudsmith. Terribly hard seats, but fab muffins and lattes.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/10296599343/" title="mudsmith by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="mudsmith" height="667" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/10296599343_a142be692d_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Been reading a new site called <a href="http://bittersoutherner.com/" target="_blank">The Bitter Southerner.</a> Good Stuff. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVF8c0XRSRZ8omo0AEgN2R7S6lmTQnQUoaaMnZatVredtVVxwfAhDbkPNbhR41IM6OSgzde9RuUb-60XcSq_I0rRdgrmlqkRc_DL_ObYWi85BK-9xexQzp-spG5z7dXhr5gQugRzWUxcFC/s1600/bitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVF8c0XRSRZ8omo0AEgN2R7S6lmTQnQUoaaMnZatVredtVVxwfAhDbkPNbhR41IM6OSgzde9RuUb-60XcSq_I0rRdgrmlqkRc_DL_ObYWi85BK-9xexQzp-spG5z7dXhr5gQugRzWUxcFC/s1600/bitter.jpg" /></a></div>
Went to 2 grown up dinners lately. R + d Kithen & Nona.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/10296655653/" title="nicB by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="nicB" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5525/10296655653_c5f8506bf7.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/10296534606/" title="dinner-dallas by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="dinner-dallas" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/10296534606_ebed44595d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Discovered the panorama on my iphone.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/10296483635/" title="pano-miriam-room by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="pano-miriam-room" height="123" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7399/10296483635_f988389b91.jpg" width="500" /></a>
And saw Mumford & sons at the Fair Grounds on a hot, hot summer night with my T. I was way too pregnant feelin', but it was still beautiful to be out and under their spell.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrZT1a7sU7-mh1DKf5J8yjvflsISYPUO1ryBUh2zacbccp0ocLnvB0pIHMibmZfjtoRSO3pBSX10Q7Ur08JF8VLXm4hj5LuXPBTJheV6t5vGb_nuoiFWzeM-zRCf2Umsvs0TevMRRgGLp/s1600/fair-grounds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrZT1a7sU7-mh1DKf5J8yjvflsISYPUO1ryBUh2zacbccp0ocLnvB0pIHMibmZfjtoRSO3pBSX10Q7Ur08JF8VLXm4hj5LuXPBTJheV6t5vGb_nuoiFWzeM-zRCf2Umsvs0TevMRRgGLp/s1600/fair-grounds.jpg" /></a></div>
carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-66488772659128909512013-10-09T14:37:00.000-04:002013-10-09T17:55:00.369-04:00summer wrap up<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9902584685/" title="IMG_7085 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7085" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7317/9902584685_9d993c9f65.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9902655664/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7268 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7268" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/9902655664_44b5af6508.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9902673534/" title="IMG_6287 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6287" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5514/9902673534_37b3145568.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9902602835/" title="IMG_6309 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6309" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/9902602835_2450ae2f85.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
I can't really call myself a blogger any more since I have been posting so infrequently. I just haven't had the fire truthfully and we haven't been doing anything that exciting. Just enjoying life at home and staying very busy with the simple things. I say that and yet, I feel like things have been so hectic too. My nanny quit out of the blue which was a nightmare, but I've since found Magdalena whom I adore. Work has been insane, but can't complain. Plus I'm plain exhausted come the end of the day. Oh and I'm 36 weeks pregnant. This pregnancy is totally different and has really worn me down! The good news is though… the weather has cooled and signs of Fall are finally popping up. Mums on the front porch and pumpkins on every doorstep. We have four weeks left as a family of 3. It's hard to believe we'll be growing and yet I'm so ready to know this little baby. Miriam started PreK-3 and is totally digging her new class. They have to wear uniforms which is so funny to me at this age, but they are precious so that helps. She's getting so big! Long legs, sweet bob hair, and her funny grin. She hates to have her hair brushed, loves to play camp-out in her sleeping bag, likes to roll play like we're a family of animals, tells me, "mommy, I tooooold you", and is pretty much demanding of her every need at every turn. Loves her friends Estee and Savanna and Olivia at school. Tells us every night she's not tired and asks why she has to go to bed. And then asks for "one more kiss & hug" before we finally slip from her room. Life for a three year old is mighty fine. <br />
<br />
We visited Klyde Warren Park downtown…finally… and it was awesome. They had all these water features for kids and Mimers kept trying to strip down! <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9902592915/" title="IMG_6364 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6364" height="333" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/9902592915_a3bbdb8360.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9902647636/" title="IMG_6363 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6363" height="376" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3681/9902647636_ae84560a4f.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9902599025/" title="IMG_6353 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6353" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7315/9902599025_6f2bd7081d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
And we played hookey on Monday and had a big ole time at the Texas State Fair. Miriam obsessed over the rides and wanted to go again & again. Always the prissy girl, she chose the pink rides whenever possible. Corn dogs, fried nutella, and people everywhere… we all came home and crashed that afternoon.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/10173967005/" title="IMG_6660 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6660" height="333" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/10173967005_77b990573b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/10174042846/" title="IMG_7712 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7712" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5493/10174042846_d1bb020211.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
And because this is just how life is, some sad news mixed with the good. My beloved granddaddy died at 97. To say he lived a full life is an understatement. He was extraordinary… spoke with a great delivery, had a great sense of humor, sharp as a tack, and had a gentle kindness that will stay with me forever. I am so thankful to have known him well into my adult life. I was deeply saddened to be so far away and unable to travel to his funeral. As a doctor, I know he would have urged me to stay home and take it easy, but boy did I wish I was there just to be amongst his spirit. Family and friends joined together to make it special and relayed details so that it felt like I was there. Granddaddy I am so glad happy for you that you'e with Mimi & Fred, but so sad for us that we will miss you so much. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9ufXTA-kHRCrwhEoGhAEHyDMqQzbWJv59irTVy_GYhdKFxn78jWZ0fUvzMs3V2D8Vu9UFkWuAn0scR9tVmONr_81U6nrxS012808P3eF7DHZbPcSdoossSfIqGmamgnsGAY6MlLzC8Lj/s1600/gdaddy-obit.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9ufXTA-kHRCrwhEoGhAEHyDMqQzbWJv59irTVy_GYhdKFxn78jWZ0fUvzMs3V2D8Vu9UFkWuAn0scR9tVmONr_81U6nrxS012808P3eF7DHZbPcSdoossSfIqGmamgnsGAY6MlLzC8Lj/s1600/gdaddy-obit.png" /></a></div>
<br />carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-90811267526347970722013-08-09T14:10:00.000-04:002013-08-09T14:10:21.174-04:00summer scenesI have no time to blog, but by gosh I'm doing it anyway. Tenn Hens is crazy busy in the best of way, it's been over 100° here in Dallas for the last ten days, my house is a mess, cousin Lauren gave birth to baby Hunter yesterday morning (hooo-ray), my to-do list is way too long, we have no groceries, I need a shower because I'm constantly sweating in this heat, there are bills to pay, emails to write, and just not enough time in the day. Sometimes I wish the day was just a little bit longer, but it will sure feel good to slide into clean sheets tonight… after I get around to the laundry.<br />
<br />
My dad sent me this link: <a href="http://www.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/934179/video-celebrating-walker-evans-at-moma?utm_source=BLOUIN+ARTINFO+Newsletters&utm_campaign=4a9bfc6290-Daily+Digest+7.30.13&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_df23dbd3c6-4a9bfc6290-83267033" target="_blank">Walker Evans exhibit at the MOMA</a>. Would love to zip up to the city and do a walk through with his eye. I just finished <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Coin-Marisa-Silver/dp/0399160701" target="_blank">Mary Coin</a> which is set in the South during the Depression. It's a fab read if you get the chance. <br />
<br />
My mom has been pounding the pavement to <a href="http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013308080012" target="_blank">re-route a proposed subdivision project</a> in Williamson County. I don't know what Franklin would do without this land-loving council lady, always on the cause. Go momma go!<br />
<br />
You know what's funny is this pregnancy has already been so different than the last. I'm bigger for one and this baby is a mover & shaker. I can't believe I still have 12 weeks to go. But it's weird too because I forget that I'm pregnant sometimes. I think it's just that I'm always running around with Mimers and doing stuff with her that I don't have time to sit around and think about it as much. I haven't read any books this go round & haven't organized a thing, but I'm sure I'll get that nesting bug soon. My heart is bursting just thinking about Lauren's delivery yesterday and I can hardly believe that the same is coming for us. Sigh. It's going to be wonderful. <br />
<br />
Anyway, since I'm running out of time and this post is completely all over the place, here's some scenes from summer of '13.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9474284486/" title="summer-pics2 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="summer-pics2" height="323" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3783/9474284486_272ee67fa9.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9474290966/" title="love-runs-deep by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="love-runs-deep" height="667" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7389/9474290966_63521ca1fb_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9474290710/" title="IMG_6365 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6365" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/9474290710_ecdea346b2.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9474287796/" title="bw-mom-moosh by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="bw-mom-moosh" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5485/9474287796_19bc8abe76.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9474284126/" title="summer-pics5 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="summer-pics5" height="343" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/9474284126_a5a2061f00.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9474285092/" title="summer-pics3 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="summer-pics3" height="667" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3829/9474285092_50d64c72ae_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9474297558/" title="IMG_5958 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5958" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7301/9474297558_4e4a7107b4.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9471509787/" title="IMG_5952 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5952" height="368" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2893/9471509787_fd72429d2e.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9474284332/" title="miriam-grilling by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="miriam-grilling" height="667" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/9474284332_b86bea7b8c_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9471513879/" title="IMG_6027 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6027" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/9471513879_4f96694d38.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9471506397/" title="IMG_5833 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5833" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2861/9471506397_4a7837300d.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9474290296/" title="IMG_5939 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5939" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5488/9474290296_4960eccd88.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9471499153/" title="summer-pics4 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="summer-pics4" height="667" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2892/9471499153_96fc9f0790_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-52200901662853749942013-07-29T22:17:00.003-04:002013-07-30T11:16:09.297-04:00our lowcountry getawayOn a hot morning in July, we escaped for a few days on a much needed vacay. It had been an insanely long time since we'd gone away just the two of us. Minus the single night here & there… like 3 years. Yikes y'all! Needless to say it was beyond wonderful. Just to fly on the plane together with no baby to entertain, only a book resting on my lap to occupy my time. Lordy, it was happy days. We landed in Savannah then made a small drive over to South Carolina where the marsh drew us in and sloooowed us down. The smell in the air and the moss dripping from the oaks was almost too much. I wanted to bottle it up. We settled into our precious cabin at Palmetto Bluff and wandered the grounds just soaking up the feelin'.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9396997774/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7372/9396997774_c4f7310cfb.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9394292189/" title="brick-wall-gate by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="brick-wall-gate" height="667" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/9394292189_f0127bf02d_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9394282261/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7428/9394282261_cb3aa01b92.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9395863789/" title="palmetto-1 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="palmetto-1" height="373" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/9395863789_d13f7eb758.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9394281817/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/9394281817_15ea47bed1.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9397048352/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3746/9397048352_7de2af5b83.jpg" width="500" /></a>
There was no schedule, no alarm, just eating, talking, swimming, lounging, and taking pics of my sunning toes. It was glorious and just what we needed to recharge with one another. Sometimes the day to day of life can tie up your mind and this vacation was meant to help it all unwind. I loved just being with my husband and chatting and escaping. The gorgeous setting sure helped my mind dream on. We walked the docks after dinner and a little dolphin visited us under the moonlight - magical I tell ya.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9395837963/" title="night-sea by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="night-sea" height="667" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2853/9395837963_0bd39d8eb0_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9394232525/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5461/9394232525_71816c47a6.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9397076530/" title="IMG_6174 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6174" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/9397076530_f70e02e0d1.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9397057238/" title="facade-wood by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="facade-wood" height="667" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7310/9397057238_3c1cd07d1f_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9397057428/" title="biking-sunset by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="biking-sunset" height="667" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7370/9397057428_65f30d76da_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
Buttered biscuits, fresh oysters, pimento cheese, and s'mores filled by growing belly and a little bubbly at supper filled my mind. It's impossible not get swept away by the lowcountry. Egrets flying overhead and frogs croaking in unison at sunset. The way the tide is always changing. Coming and going in a hypnotic way. We were only there for 3 nights, but it did wonders and we promised not to let 3 more years go by.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9394278909/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2847/9394278909_da8de06f42.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9398585840/" title="IMG_6172 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6172" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7362/9398585840_0168aba296.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9394230933/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/9394230933_b0ba774e96.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9397047862/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3665/9397047862_22d3f607b1.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9397046792/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/9397046792_658649112d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9397055406/" title="umbrella by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="umbrella" height="667" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/9397055406_21601952f8_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
We returned to find our girl, happy as a lark, camped out with May-May. Thank the heavens I ended up with such a wonderful momma. She came for a whole week and let us get away without a worry in the world. Miriam was thrilled to have her all to herself and they had such a big time playing school and learning new songs. Happy girls. I don't think Moosh missed me a bit! I missed her so, but in the very best way. We got one day to spend all together, eating mexican and telling details of our trip. Then it was time for Mom to head home. Boy was I blue to see her go, but what a joy to have the time that we did.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9398605152/" title="live-oak by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="live-oak" height="667" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2823/9398605152_ed21b72d6d_b.jpg" width="500" /></a> carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-32756835491590218692013-06-26T14:03:00.001-04:002013-06-26T15:29:22.860-04:00fiesta birthday 3My baby turned 3. Poof, just like magic. Little legs shot up, toes inching out longer all the time and growing out of new shoes. Oh my, she's a little girl now! <br />
She's getting all big and independent now, reading books by herself from memory, taking off her own shoes, making her own choices and asking questions all the time. This morning… "mommy, where do elephants go potty" & "mommy, why is there a baby in your tummy." She's still kinda my baby too. She stays curled in her little bed until I come in. I'm sure that won't last long, but I love seeing that little grin all tucked in the sheets when I open the door. And the child loves to be carried, but who wouldn't?! <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9145535042/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/9145535042_aeb0bdc332.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9143384049/" title="IMG_5511 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5511" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/9143384049_82d8eb2c64.jpg" width="500" /></a>
We threw her a birthday party on Saturday with a few friends. A proper fiesta with tex-mex, papel picado (flags), mexican brew, and a pink donkey pinata. I'd delivered some colorful invitations and the house was all ready with some special things from <a href="http://www.lamariposaimports.com/" target="_blank">La Mariposa</a>. Miriam had been really sick the day before with an ear infection so I was thrilled when she woke up feeling back to normal. She kept asking, "mommy, have my guests arrived"? Cute thing. All she'd been talking about was her party and her party supplies, and who was coming. It was all a very big deal. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9143301259/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5548/9143301259_d1404c4550.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9143298501/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="340" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/9143298501_12690b02dd.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9145526238/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="373" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3686/9145526238_01edcb5a81.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9143312163/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/9143312163_f974effb19.jpg" width="500" /></a>
Saturday was of course a scorcher, but the cold beer helped and the queso still went fast. Plus kids don't really care about the heat. They were all over the place, inside & out destroying my clean house in about 20 minutes. It looked like a bomb went off in the playroom. Why do I bother except that I want to pretend my house looks this orderly all the time. Birthday girl was miss popular and all her friends kept pulling her to play with them. It's good to be the queen for the day. We only had tearful moment. I asked her what happened and she sniffled "I spilled lemonade on my special party dress." Oh the drama! I think it was all the excitement that got her overwhelmed. Back to the party we went though and it was so nice to celebrate her big milestone with new friends and neighbors. I haven't met a lot of folks since we moved here, but the few that I have are very special.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9143404095/" title="party-pic by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="party-pic" height="359" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/9143404095_83dfd602a2.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9143378549/" title="IMG_5746 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5746" height="333" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3728/9143378549_7f141b83b9.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9143302633/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/9143302633_7999c61aa2.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9143377035/" title="IMG_5510 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5510" height="401" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/9143377035_0f1d632607.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9145605988/" title="IMG_5520 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5520" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2872/9145605988_bdea471f3c.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9143500279/" title="IMG_5557 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5557" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2868/9143500279_9fb357f6bc.jpg" width="500" /></a>
I was so tired once it was all over and oh lordy did my feet hurt! The next day we totally peaced out and spent the afternoon eating watermelon outside while watching Miriam score in her new goal. Pure and good, you are so very loved baby girl.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9143481847/" title="IMG_5844 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5844" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/9143481847_8dfd2b1cfc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9143306503/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/9143306503_781479c049.jpg" width="500" /></a>carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-74199246156893605422013-06-13T14:58:00.002-04:002013-06-13T15:26:41.496-04:00birthday girl is… oldI took Bran for a walk around the block last night. The air was so hot and still. Bunches of lantana were sprouting all down the sidewalk and perfuming the air like grapefruit. Tree branches just sat motionless without a trace a wind. That hot air was stagnant, but it felt good on my skin and I was grateful for our quiet walk. I turned 35 yesterday. That's impossible to believe, but in an effort to embrace the here & now I'm letting that fact soak on in. I know I'm not "old" but baby that sure sounds old! I had a good mix of work and fun on my day. Ate a ladies lunch at the <a href="http://www.fortyfiveten.com/index.php/t-room" target="_blank">T room</a> with Whitney (my favorite gal in Texas), opened a sweet card from my momma that of course made me tear up, played play-doh with a naked toddler, received a way cool pot from my husband, heard some jazz at a <i>real</i> dive bar, and heard happy birthday sung by my girl.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9034156045/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="pie-candle by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="pie-candle" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/9034156045_2e071b15d2.jpg" width="500" /></a>Anniversary number 5, baby turning 3, and birthday 35. I'm thinking there's some good juju going on from the numbers 3 & 5. Right? As I was walking in the heat thinking about getting older I thought about how quickly time flies by. I mean seriously flies! Good times and bad, life just keeps going by. Maybe it's having a child that shows you the passing of time. Maybe it's just with age and wisdom (hopefully). No matter, it makes you pause and look around at what you have and what you want.What I have are friends that called with wishes and gracious does that make you feel the love. So nice just to be remembered. So I'm going to try and really dig 35. Make it a good year and not complain about getting old and not complain <i>too terribly much</i> about this heavy heat!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9034155785/" title="pot by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="pot" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/9034155785_3713eedc98.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9036378958/" title="lantana by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="lantana" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7290/9036378958_db7f685b4a.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/9034156735/" title="turkish-t by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="turkish-t" height="606" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3754/9034156735_44ab7cfa31_z.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
I'll leave you with a video that totally inspired me this week. It's this years commencement speech at Trevor's old high school. "The death of a dream is usually the birth of another." Douglas Thomas has a poetic way with words and I promise it will leave you smiling.<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" height="270" id="flashObj" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=2424267035001&playerID=641735652001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAlR2IZIk~,al25RD2j-qHcjnMDY2CWAD_Z1s9riguB&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=2424267035001&playerID=641735652001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAlR2IZIk~,al25RD2j-qHcjnMDY2CWAD_Z1s9riguB&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="480" height="270" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object>carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-64912733692504964072013-06-07T16:26:00.004-04:002013-06-07T16:26:44.881-04:00sweet toothSince I'm off the wine (boo-hiss) I have had a major craving for something to indulge in. I've made the following and decided it was beyond my duty to share. I take no credit for these just found on Pinterest and fell madly in love.<br />
<br />
No. 1 : <a href="http://www.aspicyperspective.com/2010/05/farmstand-fresh.html" target="_blank">Strawberry Yogurt Cake</a>. For breakfast or a snack, it will change your life and you can thank me later. That is all.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8981225952/" title="IMG_4927 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4927" height="667" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7458/8981225952_47e9dc4dd7_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
No. 2 : <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2008/05/thick-and-chewy-chocolate-chip-cookies.html" target="_blank">Basic Chocolate Chip Cookies</a>. So easy and simple. I doubled the recipe & <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2011/12/cookie-dough-tins-a-simple-how-to-for-a-simple-gift.html" target="_blank">froze them</a> so they're always ready to roll. How nice to have something I can bake off and deliver to a friend in a jiffy?! The only thing is I thought they were too chocolaty the first time. Maybe I'm weird, but I halved the chips and they were mucho better. Just saying.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8980030795/" title="IMG_5177 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5177" height="615" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2880/8980030795_70d1854251_z.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
And just because I can't leave the week without sharing this little nugget. Here's my tiny dancer. Ain't she the cutest?! She adored her first ballet class this week. She walks on her tip toes all the time any way so I'm thinking this is the perfect fit!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8981258680/" title="ballerina by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="ballerina" height="700" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3773/8981258680_40c5b51db5_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-22021006010523588032013-06-04T13:37:00.004-04:002013-06-04T13:37:53.906-04:00celebrating, loving, and dreamingIf I were to describe the last 5 years I would say they were… eventful, inspiring, challenging, surprising, growing, blissful, hard-won, lucky, and blessed. Kind of like life. Just messy & complicated and amazing all at once. Together we promised to support one another and love one another through the good and bad. The love came so easy, but the real support has grown and progressed into something I'm so proud of. What I loved about Trevor that day as we stood in the grass, holding hands, and saying our vows is the same, but I love him in so many other ways now too. Mostly I love watching him be a dad and making Miriam laugh with her whole body deep down in her belly. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8949884015/" title="walking-mccommas by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="walking-mccommas" height="667" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5339/8949884015_afb849b5c2_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Trev took off work so we got to spend the whole day together - just us two<i> love birds</i>. Our big morning was spent at the doctor. A very special doctor, because our family is growing! I'm 18 weeks now and the truth is we're over the moon. Another baby. I can hardly believe those words, but baby it's happening. Even when you've done it before, seeing that tiny ultrasound is so overwhelming. Life changing. We had the doctor circle boy or girl on a little card I'd written out and seal it up. I wanted to wait to reveal at our anniversary dinner that night. Give us another thing to celebrate! So off we went to lunch at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/20-feet-seafood-joint-dallas" target="_blank">20 Feet Seafood Joint</a> to take our minds off the envelope. Amazing lobster roll and fish & chips. Oh my gosh it was delish and I wish I had some right this second. We spent the rest of the afternoon visiting shops that aren't so toddler friendly and just enjoying some time together. Our perfect day ended with a special dinner at <a href="http://oakdallas.com/" target="_blank">Oak</a>. We didn't find out what we were having the first go round, but that envelope was burning a hot hole in my pocket and we were both dying to find out. Vino was ordered, glasses were poured, and it was time to open. Dum, da, da dum… it's a B O Y! Oh me oh my!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8949646079/" title="IMG_5154 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5154" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5338/8949646079_95f96504b2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
It was a moment I won't forget and such a happy surprise. Trevor's face said it all. I think I'm still in shock, but I've got quite a while for it to sink in. The next morning we shared the news with Miriam. She was sort of in shock too, then excited, then all she could say was, "but I wanted a little sister." Sad pouty face. It's alright sweets. That's sort of a huge piece of information for a little girl to take in. We spent the rest of the weekend outside enjoying this unusually beautiful Dallas weather. Fleeting, but so delightful. Just the way the breeze feels on your skin makes you want to close your eyes and drift off into daydreams. We've been dreaming a lot around here lately. Here's hoping our dreams and love carry us far over the next 5 years.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8950984914/" title="IMG_5064 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5064" height="667" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/8950984914_f75ac89da8_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8950836826/" title="arboretum by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="arboretum" height="344" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/8950836826_8b13df0aff.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8949639841/" title="IMG_5109 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5109" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/8949639841_2a7e52e68c.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8949831691/" title="IMG_5083 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5083" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/8949831691_8fd96d0638.jpg" width="500" /></a>carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-52991537798280094902013-05-29T16:16:00.001-04:002013-05-29T16:16:52.457-04:00carry the loadOur Memorial weekend was filled with the usual… the grill going, lawnmower grinding, baby playing in the sandbox, and ice cream on the front porch. It is such a treat to take that extra day off work and have a real weekend of relaxation. Of course Memorial Day is more than that. We all know its significance, but it's easy to look beyond. The <a href="http://carolinapostcard.blogspot.com/2012/05/memorial-weekend.html" target="_blank">last two years </a>have made me look a little harder and feel a bit deeper for of those who've served our country. We attended <a href="http://carrytheload.org/splash/" target="_blank">Carry The Load</a> again this year to support our buddy who was in the marines. Trevor walked 14 miles with his friends, but there were wives walking with pictures of their fallen husbands, parents with flags from their fallen child, and firefighters carrying hoses on their shoulders, but there were also children walking with their dad who had served and families showing support. It was emotional and joyful and mostly it felt important. Just important to show empathy and offer support simply by holding a small flag and cheering with the crowd. Miriam and her buddy Belle had a ball though we did have to pry their flags away after a mini jousting match. It was a great day and weekend and great time to remember how much I love my family.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8882004517/" title="memorial1 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="memorial1" height="387" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3822/8882004517_9db1a9aaf3.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8881999737/" title="IMG_4981 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4981" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8881999737_4e7e881cc1.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8881997763/" title="memorial2 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="memorial2" height="368" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/8881997763_4a1049fc2b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8882146957/" title="IMG_4837 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4837" height="510" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7319/8882146957_ae4860bf1c_z.jpg" width="500" /></a>carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-30310663379727622222013-05-22T11:24:00.000-04:002013-05-22T11:24:17.221-04:00a tennessee sceneThe other night I was in the kitchen prepping supper and <a href="http://americanroutes.wwno.org/" target="_blank">American Roots</a> came on <a href="http://kxt.org/" target="_blank">KXT</a> which was so perfect for a Sunday evening. Some zydeco mixed with Billie Holiday mixed with blues and all sorts of little songs I'd never heard. I love the calmness of Sundays. Wrapping up the weekend and taking time to get things in order before the work week. Miriam was playing with her new baby doll Sue (a gift from May-May) and tucking all her animals in for bedtime. I love to overhear her talking to her "friends" and creating this whole imaginary world. Trevor was outside checking his new smoker and working on the yard, which is looking mighty fab I must say. After our trip to Nashville our weekend was very purposely laid back.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8774614662/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8256/8774614662_b82079a8f0.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8769799221/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3668/8769799221_950c935984.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8774884846/" title="moosh-boots by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="moosh-boots" height="803" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2847/8774884846_30425d308c_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
We drove home (won't be doing that any time soon or maybe ever) for a visit and had a ball. Though we did bring in some major rain in with us that first weekend. I was all set to go to see Widespread with a group of friends, but ended up bailing last minute, because the show was outside and it was cold, muddy, and pouring. No thank you. I do believe I have seen my fair share. Of course Trevor put on his full rain gear and went full steam ahead. Tough guy. I retreated inside and had a lovely supper at <a href="http://thewildharenashville.com/" target="_blank">The Wild Hare</a> with my brother. Smart lady. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8775102400/" title="IMG_4521 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4521" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/8775102400_676573d220.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8774822892/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3776/8774822892_2f0ce516ef.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
The clouds finally broke and nature gifted us with the most beautiful Tennessee scene. Each morning I would cruise to Currier's with the windows cracked and cool air breezing in. Fields of green and bushes blooming… Spring was alive in Franklin. Who knew driving to work could be so durn pleasant?! <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8774887000/" title="field-of-flowers by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="field-of-flowers" height="667" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8418/8774887000_0870b67730_b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
By the end of the day I was coated with spray mount and my fingers were stuck together, but we got so much accomplished. Momma was the perfect babysitter and not once did Miriam put up a fight when I walked out that door. She was over the moon. A busy little gal, picking peonies, feeding carrots, and searching for critters outside. Life was good. Obviously Brando made himself right at home as well. I swear he smiles when his paws hit that open field. Sweet buddy cakes.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8774894850/" title="picking-peonies by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="picking-peonies" height="667" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8540/8774894850_6a8fb75fec_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8774682152/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/8774682152_58d0bee9df.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8769866969/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8553/8769866969_93c27799f8.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8769973693/" title="IMG_5472 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5472" height="333" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/8769973693_16c08dfab7.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8769981917/" title="IMG_5462 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5462" height="333" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3668/8769981917_9b2af0ec06.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8776517798/" title="IMG_5469 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5469" height="333" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3683/8776517798_cd7bf06f0f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
We fit in a rainy day playdate with the cousins and I can't tell you how much I love seeing them together. Warms my heart.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8776508228/" title="IMG_5482 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5482" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5444/8776508228_291ba038e2.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8776504530/" title="IMG_5502 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5502" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7322/8776504530_10e3d6c8b1.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8776483542/" title="IMG_5516 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5516" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7347/8776483542_b20268a315.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Our final weekend we packed a lot in and made it to Steeplechase at Percy Warner. It's by far my favorite event of the year. We hadn't been in a while so I was extra ready for the races. We were graced with picture perfect skies, cool air, and glowing afternoon sunshine. There were some thrilling races and folks were deep in the sauce by days end.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8774893272/" title="cooler-packed by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="cooler-packed" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2805/8774893272_9500639823.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8776491184/" title="IMG_5525 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5525" height="363" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8552/8776491184_1fffe392fb.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8780299341/" title="IMG_4706 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4706" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8261/8780299341_485f6595a1.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8779860245/" title="steeplechase-13 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="steeplechase-13" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7406/8779860245_6f3960c575.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8776493318/" title="rainbow by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="rainbow" height="751" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8400/8776493318_aa51270194_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
The weekend finale was a Mother's Day cricket match at the farm. We lounged around outside and enjoyed time with friends stopping by. Fried chicken, rolls, artichoke dip, and gazpacho was the hair of the dog for those still weary from a long day of revelry. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8780038363/" title="IMG_4734 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4734" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/8780038363_6f9456b3ae.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8786701180/" title="IMG_4797 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4797" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5348/8786701180_837168977e.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8786649046/" title="cricket-match1 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="cricket-match1" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7302/8786649046_2c5e870499.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8786663682/" title="IMG_4747 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4747" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5321/8786663682_803d47de41.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8769960927/" title="IMG_4832 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4832" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3679/8769960927_938b430ee9.jpg" width="500" /></a>
Dogs wandering, the percherons hitched and giving kids a ride. The match was won by the Brits which started rounds of Pims all over again. But we retreated inside, ordered pizza and collapsed after all the fun. One of my favorite weekends in a very long time. Then it was packin' time. Time to head back to Texas. Sad to leave and sad to say goodbye, but I was ready to say hello to our home and life in the Big D. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8780083947/" title="IMG_4774 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4774" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2870/8780083947_7501e93016.jpg" width="500" /></a>carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-67256828388369685542013-04-26T13:23:00.000-04:002013-04-26T13:49:05.430-04:00starbucks in bedIt's been sort of a big week here in Dallas. The news has been buzzing with coverage of the new Bush Presidential Library. It looks beautiful so I actually can't wait to go poke around, especially since it's right down the street at SMU. My own life is a lot less exciting these days. Miriam got sick with a nasty cold last week and ended up with her first ear infection which was a bummer. Of course she got sick the day we were leaving town. That's how it always works right? Trevor and I had to make a very quick trip to Atlanta for his grandfather, Pawpaw's, funeral. When you live to 91 those of us left behind are at some sort of peace about the circumstances. He was a precious man and lived a wonderful life with (most importantly) the love of his life. What was hard about it was reliving <a href="http://carolinapostcard.blogspot.com/2012/11/marilyn.html" target="_blank">Marilyn's</a> death all over again. I felt like we'd just been there. Like we'd just been in that same funeral home, making impossible decisions, and feeling numb all over. And we had. It'd only been six months and here we were now mourning her father. But you cope and you just put one foot in front of the other and make conversation and pretend to keep it all together. It's still very painful. Still very raw.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8684141874/" title="IMG_4278 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4278" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8684141874_8bbd27ec32.jpg" width="500" /></a>We came home to a little gal who was very, very excited to see us. She was dying to go to her school carnival, ear infection and all. It was the first time I'd left her with our nanny Herminia so I felt a little nervous, but of course she was totally cool as a cuke. It felt so good to be back home. Though a teeny tiny piece of me could have curled up in that "heavenly" hotel bed just a wee longer. Lounging with Starbucks in bed was sort of dreamy. How sad is that? We've gotta get away soon I tell you! I mean really away on a proper vacay. For now I will toddle around the backyard, barefoot and soaking up the smell of smoke coming off the grill. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8684079696/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8393/8684079696_3847361de8.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8684079914/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8544/8684079914_e0643d2164.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8684162946/" title="photo by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="photo" height="576" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8684162946_1db95cc164_z.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8684139024/" title="pony-ride by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="pony-ride" height="537" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8537/8684139024_e18d3a598e_z.jpg" width="500" /></a>
carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-91612601436652836282013-04-12T14:59:00.001-04:002013-04-12T14:59:32.945-04:00this is for you mommaThe other night I called my mom to hear all the details and stories from a large, fancy wedding that had just wrapped up in Nashville. Large as in like 900 people. All sounded nice and rather tame until she told about the dancing. Apparently she had cut a serious rug up front on the dance floor. Some Michael Jackson moves along with my little brother doing the worm. I can just picture her out there now. Hair shaking, finger pointed, and gettin' down. The woman has the moves and boy does she love to dance. So from one little rock n' roller to another, this <a href="http://gardenandgun.com/article/high-and-the-low-songs-of-south" target="_blank">article</a> is for you momma…<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_-h2immf1nonrY0yD4m_mJ7KlIEZBxGdTlymgltLLq9e7mn8oSUHRhAjENzWkIxhLXLPK51gmb65VFgDDDfvngHgKoL1s71M_uL96D3KDZ4DiwmBdVAUXCn4RWUfNXaUhSaUii0GMNDI/s1600/songs-south.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_-h2immf1nonrY0yD4m_mJ7KlIEZBxGdTlymgltLLq9e7mn8oSUHRhAjENzWkIxhLXLPK51gmb65VFgDDDfvngHgKoL1s71M_uL96D3KDZ4DiwmBdVAUXCn4RWUfNXaUhSaUii0GMNDI/s1600/songs-south.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h1>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Songs of the South </span></span></h1>
<div class="dek">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;">By Julia Reed</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
<span class="print-link"></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;">In
January, I attended a sixtieth birthday bash at the House of Blues in
New Orleans, and since the birthday boy happened to be a billionaire,
the entertainment was especially stellar. My buddy Harry Shearer, a very
funny man (and the voice of about half the cast of The Simpsons),
emceed the proceedings, which kicked off with a version of “Happy
Birthday” by his wife, the Welsh chanteuse Judith Owen, that made
Marilyn Monroe’s seem wholesome. Dr. John cut loose with “Right Place
Wrong Time,” and Chrissie Hynde, looking and sounding at least as hot as
she did when she first broke through with the Pretenders, did a set
that included “Don’t Get Me Wrong” and “Back on the Chain Gang.” Gregg
Allman was up next with “Statesboro Blues,” “One Way Out,” and
“Melissa,” and the great Joe Walsh (who sang an especially ironic
“Life’s Been Good”) closed the show with a rousing set that rocked the
house. Or at least it should have.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;">Before I go any further, I
should confess that I have never actually met my host. I was a guest of a
guest, and a very lucky one at that, so I am trying to be very careful
not to cast aspersions. But it was…weird. No one seemed to take much joy
in the proceedings, or if they did it was seriously internalized.
Though the party was held in what is essentially a big bar, the audience
seemed airlifted in from Carnegie Hall. I mean, I learned to make out
with the Allman Brothers on the stereo; there’s no way to listen to
“Melissa” without the hair on the back of your neck standing up. I first
heard Joe Walsh when I was ten and he was in the James Gang. Until he
joined the Eagles, no one in that band could have pulled off that
central guitar riff in “Life in the Fast Lane,” which he also played
that night. There was some serious history—and not just my own—on that
stage.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;">In contrast to the rest of the group, my friend and I spent
the evening jooking around like maniacs—or, indeed, like normal people
listening to a kick-ass lineup of some of the greatest and most storied
musicians in the world. And we weren’t just the only ones moving, we
were the only ones on our feet—except, of course, the musicians, most of
whom were the oldest people in the room. Greg Allman is sixty-five and
has a new liver; Dr. John and Joe Walsh have put enough bad stuff in
their bodies over the years to kill a herd of water buffalo. But all
three of them exhibited far more energy than the people they were
playing for. But then, almost nobody in the audience, which included
Bill Gates, was from the South. Apparently, folks in other regions do
not spend the bulk of their youths in cars and bars learning about life
and love and lust to the beat of a constant sound track.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;">Which
leads me to the definition of Southern music. You could make the case
that most music is Southern since the South gave the world jazz, blues,
rock and roll, country, and the songs of Johnny Mercer. But I think you
can also define music as Southern by the way you listen to it. In the
car, of course, with the AC blasting and the windows rolled down, while
banging out the beat on the steering wheel. Or in a club, while dancing
the shag or the funky chicken or the gator or trying to do James Brown’s
splits. It was the Godfather who said, “The one thing that can solve
most of our problems is dancing.” My friend Humphreys McGee does an
indescribable dance during the instrumental break in Rufus Thomas’s
“Walking the Dog” that is such an intense expression of the good stuff
in Humphreys’s soul he only does it every five years or so, lest he have
a heart attack. When André Leon Talley saw Humphreys “walk the dog” at
my parents’ house once, he pronounced it a “piece of Appalachian folk
art” and said he ought to be in the Smithsonian. Humphreys himself says
simply that the song allows “an opportunity to abandon all inhibitions
and release my body to my id.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;">The world would definitely be a
better (or at least a more exciting) place if we all tried that every
once in a while, but for starters you’d have to get up out of your seat.
When I was eleven, I came home from school to find my mother dancing
through the house while “American Pie” blared from our brand-new
quadraphonic speakers. She was so into it and so oblivious of my
presence that I was in awe and maybe even a tiny bit afraid, and I
didn’t tell her I’d seen her until years afterward. My mother is a
great, great dancer. I am not, but that has not kept me from dancing on
bars and tables and in my kitchen by myself late at night. Mostly,
though, I listen to a lot of music, and below I’ve created an entirely
arbitrary Southern Playlist. If it were remotely comprehensive it would
include additional acts ranging from Irma Thomas to the Avett Brothers,
but I’ll get to them. Fortunately, I have a bit of time before I start
planning my own sixtieth birthday concert (which will likely be
broadcast via iPod).</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br /><a href="http://gardenandgun.com/article/high-and-the-low-songs-of-south" target="_blank"><i>via Garden & Gun</i></a>carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-23513244228508791372013-04-11T17:39:00.001-04:002013-04-11T17:39:59.061-04:00by my bedsideThis is only a partial pile of what's on my reading list. Cookbooks, Austen, comedy, and Paris. All have a lot in common, non? I just finished <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Paris-Wife-A-Novel/dp/0345521315" target="_blank">The Paris Wife</a> and all I'm going to say is go buy it… like now. Then come tell me if you liked it as much as moi!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8641592406/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="359" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8249/8641592406_74dd5874f0.jpg" width="500" /></a>carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-1963519768401079102013-04-04T12:36:00.003-04:002013-04-04T12:36:44.336-04:00hunting eggsSo, since my last post I obviously jinxed the weather, because here I sit wrapped in a cashmere sweater with the heat cranked in my drafty office. Wah. I beg of you Spring, please come back very soon. Last weekend we crammed in a bunch of activity while my brother was in town for a visit. We took him to Neighborhood Services after having such perfect experience last time. This was not a 10, but it was still mighty fine. We went to the Bishop Arts district one afternoon to peruse some shops like <a href="http://www.pebbleandpine.com/" target="_blank">Pebble + Pine</a> and grab a slice o' pie from <a href="http://emporiumpies.com/" target="_blank">Emporium Pies</a>. This is what I do after all when people come visit - EAT. Will found some very cool pants that he's hoping no one else in Nashville owns. They're mint green and sort of like moleskin so I'm pretty sure that won't be an issue.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8617549672/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8244/8617549672_c784feab0b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8617549370/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8617549370_7e72b45826.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8616475999/" title="& by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="&" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8525/8616475999_926d8cb5df.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8616476103/" title="pie by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="pie" height="557" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8535/8616476103_fc802a3cb7_z.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8616442807/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8616442807_bcae3cb1f2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Easter Sunday came around and there was much to be grateful for, especially the company of friends. We went to a service with the Schicklings and watched the girls get giddy with excitement. I was just as excited Miriam fit into last years Easter dress. Score. After a rainy morning, the sun greeted us just in time for an egg hunt after brunch. I have such vivid memories of hunting for eggs in Mimi & Granddaddy's backyard. It was a serious affair with all the cousins dashing around looking for the one elusive prize egg - actually a giant gold pantyhose container. Miriam loved it and was sneaking jelly beans any chance she could get. She was so excited that a nap was unfortunately not in the cards which meant mommy didn't get a nap either. Instead we made a big palette of blankets and pillows and camped out to watch Ratatouille. At least I got to close my eyes… for a minute. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8616443785/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8105/8616443785_45ae1c0b8c.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8616476217/" title="egg0hunt by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="egg0hunt" height="730" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8403/8616476217_1a546382f4_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8616476507/" title="rading-annie by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="rading-annie" height="512" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8541/8616476507_d282e86d78_z.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
don't you love this… Miriam knocked her knee on the table right as we were trying to get a pic & as soon as she started whaling, so did Belle… little copy cats :)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8618795323/" title="brunch by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="brunch" height="431" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8618795323_1c5cf42d11.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8616444129/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8243/8616444129_32bc0f3c07.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8616476425/" title="funny-bunny by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="funny-bunny" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8382/8616476425_90ed356cec.jpg" width="500" /></a>carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-42710639254409840892013-03-21T16:13:00.003-04:002013-03-21T16:14:27.225-04:00spring hapenningsSo, I don't want to jinx anything, but the weather has been perfection here in Dallas. Like 70s and breezy and blue skies and trees blooming bright green and big Texas sunsets. I sincerely thank you weather gods. You are helping a desk-bound gals spirit just by shining through her window. Been big time busy with <a href="http://tennhens.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hens</a> tasks and designing goods for ladies getting hitched. Currier left town for a week and I almost went crazy without our multiple, daily chats. I survived, but boy it reminded me how thankful I am to have a partner in this!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8578554996/" title="outside-bloom by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="outside-bloom" height="751" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8578554996_e4be25b1c0_o.jpg" width="500" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8578543272/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8369/8578543272_89d692607d.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8578554844/" title="picnic-breeze by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="picnic-breeze" height="751" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8578554844_70dcf58318_o.jpg" width="500" /></a>
So, Mimers and I have been busy too. School was out last week so had to think of lots of new activities. <a href="http://www.firesidepies.com/" target="_blank">Pizza</a> dinner date with friends, picnics, errands together, Perot museum (score), and a trip to the aquarium. I don't know why I went to the aquarium on one of the busiest weeks of the year, but I did and it was sort of a nightmare. Way too many people and stinky inside. Even Miriam was ready to bolt by the time we made it to the penguins. Our backyard is much more fun anyway. Trevor and I finally got around to some landscaping at the casa. It was basically a blank state that no one had ever really paid attention too. We changed that and gave it a lotta love last Saturday. So much better I can't even tell you. A lot of happenings here and it's made me miss home just a bit less and less. Maybe that means I am finally settling in here? Finally. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8577439259/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8088/8577439259_023e4949e7.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8578543806/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="356" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8578543806_81f92e9a29.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8577438077/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="374" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8577438077_f8f3d6f3df.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8577438605/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="374" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8577438605_9764b75d37.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8578596730/" title="photo 2 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="photo 2" height="495" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8382/8578596730_4ec1aeec4e.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<i>tip from my friend <a href="http://www.spiceandsass.com/" target="_blank">samma</a></i>… this $4 drug store mint julep masque is awesome! I stuck it in a care package for my cuz'. She's preggers and every preggers lady can use a little pick me up. Plus getting mail makes somebody feel extra special! <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8577438399/" title="Untitled by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8232/8577438399_f147a8d573.jpg" width="500" /></a>carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-67279650723233804452013-03-01T13:16:00.003-05:002013-03-01T13:18:45.081-05:00creole thriftWhen I'm doing research for a project I start with a folder on my desktop called "design inspiration." It's full of random images I've collected over the years - <i>my pre-Pinterest solution to saving digital images</i>. Colors, interiors, typefaces… I scroll through them making notes and attempting to sketch a layout. And then I step away from the computer completely. Hurts my eyes and everything can start looking the same! Time to look around the house, open drawers, open books, and get the mind cooking. I was brainstorming on a job this week and found an old favorite book tucked away. <a href="http://tennhens.blogspot.com/2013/02/cocktails-cookbooks.html" target="_blank">Creole Thrift</a>. I remember my mom brought it to our house in Beersheba and I was consumed with it all weekend. I loved the design and the layout and all the quirkiness within. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8518289325/" title="IMG_4833 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4833" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8243/8518289325_08723db16e.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8519408034/" title="IMG_4838 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4838" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8519408034_49574ff736.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
The author, Angele Parlange writes about her growing up in a plantation house in Louisiana. The house is beautiful and moody inside. She gives ideas on printing fabric, sewing shower curtains with home photos, and reupholstering junk. "Premium Southern Living Without Spending a Mint." Isn't that adorable? Although they were clever, I never did any of her crafty ideas. What appealed to me was just her storytelling, the colorful personality, and the texture of the images in the book. Made me feel good.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8519406796/" title="IMG_4847 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4847" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8369/8519406796_d7052db035.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8519400922/" title="IMG_4834 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4834" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8099/8519400922_81b2435d0e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
So I got totally distracted from the project I was working on and ended up flipping through the book all over again for at least an hour. Easily distracted? Yep. But, I did come away with some ideas in the end. At least I think I did. Even with all the beauty online, books remain my go to for creative inspiration. And pink roses on your desk certainly don't hurt either.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8518296707/" title="IMG_4843 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4843" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8526/8518296707_f32b55b049.jpg" width="500" /></a>carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-29747738651631413732013-02-25T16:31:00.002-05:002013-02-25T16:33:22.159-05:00school closedMonday morning is always a little rushed, a little scattered, and always little late around here. Today, we made it to school on time only to find that school was closed due to no power. Bummer. I was super frustrated and totally annoyed. My whole day would have to change around. Then I noticed how excited Miriam was. "Just me and you today mommy?" "School is closed," followed by a little smirk of pure joy. My girl sure loves her mommy and was thrilled that we got to turn around and go right back home. It made me turn my bad attitude around and be grateful for the time just the two of us. That's what children do. They make you think and be slow and play. We came home, had more coffee and set up a whole town of legos and trains. She loves to talk to her figures and pretend. We made a diving board for lego-man, elmo went to school, and our wooden buildings were stacked tall. We played naptime, a current fave, and talked about where her animals go potty. Did I mention we're potty training? I procrastinated for a long time, but it's nothing I'd made it out to be in my head. She's totally doing it. I just told her no more diapers, they're for babies, got big girl underwear, and a made a big deal about it the morning we started. We made a sticker chart together and she picks one when she goes. Maybe it's just luck. I have no idea, but hooray for small miracles. Thankful for my big, willing girl and, as it turns out, mighty thankful for a day off from school.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8507419545/" title="window-dogbed by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="window-dogbed" height="751" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8507419545_0e49f8b51a_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-43313464670761877962013-02-19T14:03:00.001-05:002013-02-19T14:03:02.751-05:00sundaysAfter a hectic week, Sunday comes around as a welcome respite after days of motion. Cleaning the kitchen, going through mail, and watching Miriam play outside with Daddy is so calming. Just being home with the whole family. Time to shower, and plan dinner, and take the dog on a proper walk. Just time to be. Moosh and I made <a href="http://www.nineandsixteen.blogspot.com/2013/01/recipes-oatmeal-cookies-hot-chocolate.html" target="_blank">oatmeal chocolate chip cookies</a> that ended up as one giant spread, but it was a happy accident. They got sort of thin, and toffee like. Sometimes all you need to revive your spirit is to beat some eggs and wash some dishes. It's good for the soul.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8488875569/" title="moosh-walking-tree by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="moosh-walking-tree" height="669" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8528/8488875569_d5594364f3_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8489976212/" title="IMG_4748 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4748" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8519/8489976212_f2b88731fa.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8488877935/" title="IMG_4751 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4751" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8085/8488877935_b45f27a2d1.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8489024797/" title="kitchen-window by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="kitchen-window" height="646" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8508/8489024797_b6e271ba6c_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8489063997/" title="bottle-planter by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="bottle-planter" height="751" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8386/8489063997_c731185abe_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741862916156454260.post-23022419685477263472013-02-14T11:51:00.003-05:002013-02-14T11:58:58.042-05:00my valentinesI'm a tad ho-hum about Valentines Day as I get older. It's much more fun for kids I think. We crafted and made strawberry heart skewers. Miriam happily toted her handmade hearts to all her classmates and was thrilled when I came to her class party yesterday. But, as I was checking out D magazine the other week, I saw an ad for a Valentine's mini photo session. The style of photographer,<a href="http://kelly-christine.com/" target="_blank"> Kelly-Christine's</a> work immediately caught my eye. I told T this would be the perfect Valentine's "gift" for me. I'm always the one behind the camera, so it's mighty nice to have some memories of our entire family. I think they turned out really lovely, especially the ones of my sweets. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8473015501/" title="valentine-m by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="valentine-m" height="750" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8517/8473015501_04e9ccd9e0_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8474104858/" title="valentine-me by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="valentine-me" height="750" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8474104858_60598478c7_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8474105116/" title="family-valentine by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="family-valentine" height="750" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8527/8474105116_dc1be72faa_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8474112028/" title="brando by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="brando" height="581" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8474112028_3eb6265d41_z.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8473015587/" title="valentine-daddy by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="valentine-daddy" height="750" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8390/8473015587_38c484d6b6_b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39533053@N08/8474114992/" title="Cross_Valentine-21 by bonniebc, on Flickr"><img alt="Cross_Valentine-21" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8474114992_ac25a9e7f9.jpg" width="500" /></a>carolina postcardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12143697079711399312noreply@blogger.com5