Autumn Shenanigans and Other Stories Around the Southeast

Pumpkin Spice Latte

“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” 
~ L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

It's sort of a white girl cliche' to look forward to your very first Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. These lattes are seasonal treats, and you know, once you have that first taste, Fall is in the air. We begin to look at the leaves a little closer, putting on our sunglasses to catch those warm hues, only to remove them and see the still-green leaves. We begin to dig in the back of our closets, hoping to pair that fantastic plum colored scarf with those new dark jeans and brown riding boots. However, if you live in the South, you know it will be a few more weeks until you are able to truly embrace the season.

Which is what I am doing. Embracing the season. By doing so, I have so many new goals and ideas, I am just bursting at the seams to get started on them all! Though I have not written in my blog for a while now, I have pulled together enough life experiences to have some decent content for a while. 

For one, I have been working fairly hard at the Cannonball House, the museum I run. We've added a lot of new programming, and I wanted to make sure that it goes well, so I am pushing those events into the community. I've also picked up quite a bit of freelance work! I wrote some articles I am very proud of in the latest issue of Macon Magazine, and the work I am doing in the 11th Hour is getting a little buzz - even on Georgia Public Broadcasting! Not bad for a former journalist- turned PR chick - turned Museum director/freelance writer. Not bad at all. 

Hanging out in City Market, a boutique and art gallery area of Savannah, Georgia

Earlier this season, SG (Sweet Guy) and I headed down to Savannah to celebrate the union of two of my dear friends, JJ & PC. What was so exciting about this trip was that it marked the first official gay wedding that I will attend in Georgia that was completely legal. That's right - #lovewins and now Gay Marriage is legal in Georgia. 

Relaxing on the Savannah River

Outside of the wedding festivities, SG and I got the opportunity to spend some quality time together. We sat outside by the Savannah River, with our touristy frozen drinks from Wet Willies, just soaking up the cool air and sunny skies. 

Hanging out at the Wedding on Tybee Island

Of course, being Georgia and all, my hair was not cooperating. Humidity was at an all time high and I have seen better days with the frizz. 

The Happy Couple

The wedding was absolutely adorable. There were so many little personal touches, that unless you knew the couple well, you might not pick up on them. I thought the vows were incredibly romantic.. and of course, the theme got right to the point: "Let's Do This."

Adorable Wedding Cake

Sad to say, I never got a slice of this delicious cake. 

Kevin Barry's Irish Pub, Savannah

That final night in Savannah, SG and I went to my favorite Irish Pub, Kevin Barry's on River Street, and enjoyed a pint and some great sing-along Irish tunes. This was a first time experience for SG and he loved it!

Guinness at Kevin Barry's

When in Rome... 

Bourbon Bar, Macon, GA

Speaking of good drinks, SG and I have frequented the Bourbon Bar in Macon. It is a new spot that is owned and operated by Adam and Becky Dennis. You can read more about the bar in my 11th Hour article HERE. 

Pumpkin Spice Martini

My friend, Ryan, is the Beverage Director of the Bourbon Bar and he created this fantastic Pumpkin Spice Martini. (Made with pureed pumpkin) The ingredients all come the Dirt Farmers (You can read more about them HERE - another article I wrote for the 11th Hour.)

Campfire at the Farm

You can't get into Fall without a good campfire. In late September, SG made one in the backyard at his farm. The girls got to roast marshmallows, tell ghost stories, and make good old fashioned S'mores. 

Kid's Kitchen at the Cannonball House

Kid's Kitchen

Speaking of kids making snacks, we have really done an impressive job with our educational programs at the museum. Our education coordinator taught a "Kids Kitchen" for kids in Kindergarten to 3rd grade. These adorable little ones got to make apple tarts from scratch! It went so well!

Raggedy Ann Cake by Erica

We even added story time to our program! In September, we celebrated Raggedy Ann's 100th birthday! I just LOVE LOVE LOVE children's literature (which, let's be honest, without those great stories I would not be interested in story telling..) We found a great way to celebrate an oldie but goody! My friend, Erica, made this amazing Raggedy Ann cake! It was the highlight of the entire event. Of course, we had to serve it on our finest silver. ;-)

The staff made a beautiful banner made of rags! 

Brenda read the story of Raggedy Ann!

And of course, there were crafts and games!

This weekend we will celebrate Alice in Wonderland's 150th Birthday! I can't wait to share with you those pics. If you are passing through or live in middle Georgia, it is only $1 to attend! 11am at the Cannonball House!

Picking muscadines on the farm!

Right before it got cold, I got to go muscadine picking for the final goodies with Karen-Ann. We got bowls full. (Which I am pretty sure I snacked on for a solid two weeks.) Delish! SG's farm is simply the best!

Turkish Food

I'm fairly lucky to know the people I know, and my friend Melissa, who happens to run the 567 For Renewal, spent a couple of years teaching in Turkey. Each year she celebrates with her friends in Macon with a Turkish feast! As you guys know, middle eastern food is near and dear to my heart, so of course I went. I had to miss it last year, but that was not the case in early October!

Pouring Turkish Chai

We enjoyed a delicious assortment of goodies, and at the end, Melissa served Turkish Tea - or Chai. 

Turkish Coffee

And of course, the piece de resistance - Turkish Coffee. MY FAVORITE THING EVER. 

Speaking of teas and coffees.. I started throwing some tea parties, and they are going really well!! 

October Themed Tea Party

This last one was a little smaller than the first. I only had 6 people, but it IS Football season and we are in the SEC. (It is like a religion down here.) 

Tea Party foods prepared by Telisa

My friend, Telisa, prepared all of the lovely foods I served. We had Lemon Cucumber tea sandwiches, rose meringues, pimento cheese tea sandwiches, & pumpkin spice cones. 

Parties have always been my thing... 
I recently attended a party that had the most BEAUTIFUL floral arrangement. (If you are into that kind of thing... which... I am!)

Home in Shirley Hills where the party was thrown

The party was held in an older neighborhood in Macon called Shirley Hills. Denny & Sambo had a few of the patrons from my museum over to celebrate our year of great success. 
Their home is VERY much a typical Southern home - complete with columns and amazing outdoor entertaining space. 

Beautiful screened in porch

See what I mean about the screened in porch. We Southerners love our porch parties. 

That floral arrangement!

Back to the beautiful flowers - see them? Wowza! It was a great night. 

Historic Andersonville

A few weeks ago, I took SG's girls to Historic Andersonville (in SW Georgia.) We watched a little Civil War reenactment, ate hot dogs, and keeping with the Autum-esque theme, ordered pumpkin spice gelato!

Quilter at Historic Andersonville

I always enjoy chatting it up with craftsmen, and I took a few minutes to chat with this quilter. I asked her so many questions, especially since my Grandma Thurston was a quilter. I never got to really talk to her about her quilts before she died, but I do love them!

Did I mention Alabama whipped Georgia's behind in football?

No big surprise there. lol

Grand baby time!

No doubt, SG sneaks in as much time as he can with baby Cotton. 

Mercer Strings 

I had a wonderful experience at Rotary recently! We got a special treat from Amy Schwartz Moretti and her strings students!

Peanuts are a major crop in Georgia

Lucky me, I get to travel to SW Georgia most weekends and indulge in their best crop/product - and that's fresh hot boiled peanuts! Very Fall! (Check that one off of my list.) I consider myself to be a boiled peanut connoisseur! 

Hay Ride!

You can't welcome in Fall without a decent Hay Ride! We headed down to Mark's Melon Patch and enjoyed a ride around his farm!

Sunflower Fields in South Georgia

Another excellent Fall crop are the Sunflowers! I visited my first Sunflower field!! I was blown away by these beauties!

Zinnias

And the Zinnias... oh my word. I have a new found appreciation for this basic flower! They are beautiful!

Me picking a pumpkin

We did take some time and pick pumpkins last weekend. A necessary step in a perfect October!

Our pumpkins on the pier at the cabin

Our Pumpkins at night 

Needless to say, October has been fantastic!

I've got a few more doozies to knock off before I wrap this month up, but all is going well!

Tell me about some of your Autumn traditions? What's new in your world?

My Love Affair with Autumn

Picture I took back in Birmingham at the Pepper Place Farmer's Market

Do you remember the first time you fell in love with a season? I mean, seriously took note of how the earth transformed, and felt how marvelous this transition was?

I do. I was probably 9.

It was probably in late September or early October, and it was an unseasonably (for down here,) cool afternoon. I remember sitting on the cold metal staircase outside my apartment complex, just relaxing and listening to the wind. I assume no one could come out to play, and apparently I did not want to sit in the house. Actually, I never liked sitting in the house. If I have a choice to go outside or sit inside - I always choose the out-of-doors.

What I saw that day would forever change my life. The trees were swaying too and fro, and the wind was so strong that I remember my long, brown hair getting wrapped around my face and stinging my eyes. Once I was able to fully remove the strands from my face, I watched as hundreds of black birds flew in perfect formation over our home. I do not believe I had ever seen as many birds before or since. What surprises me, to this day, was how it affected me. I remember tears welling up in my eyes as I watched this marvelous natural occurrence.. my little world transition; I was simply blown away. 

Whenever I look back on Fall or Autumn (whichever way you like to call it,) I remember that day. I can still smell the dead leaves- that crispy, balsam-like, sweet scent. I remember the sounds of the "kaw kaw kaw" of the black birds, and the way the wind rushed past my ears making that "air thru a tunnel" sound you are familiar with at the beach. I remember how the sun hid behind the clouds, and how for the first time in many, many months, I needed a jacket. This feeling.. these memories.. that is when my love affair with Autumn began.

I can tell it is trying to make an appearance down here. My little herb garden has all but dried up for the season. My flowers are no longer blooming. I even have a slight cough (ragweed season,) and I feel a little bit chillier each morning. Of course, it is hot as hades down here, but just before the day really gets going, and right before I go to bed, it is comfortable again. This feeling is what I yearn for.

I have plans this holiday season. Plans to not only watch as the earth transitions, but to allow myself to transition along with it. I will probably know where my next full time job will be, and if not, it is a sign to move on again. So many good things will happen this season, and I welcome it with open arms - and a pumpkin spice latte. ;-)

100 Degrees and Fall is in the Air

The title probably makes very little sense to you. 

I understand that.

It's super hot outside. From about lunch time to 6pmish, I am sweating buckets and running for air conditioned cover. However, with all of this heat, something else is happening... I am noticing that I am waking up with swollen, watery eyes.

My friends... Fall IS in the air. The only difference is, the air is not cool.

*sigh*

Yes, now my season of sniffles and what not shall begin. Just give me a few weeks and I will have my one big super duper sinus infection of the season.

I still love this time of year.. regardless of the blur it causes with my vision- despite the itching and pressure.. it remains one of my favorite times of year.

I am ready for the warm shades and jewel tones to reappear. I am ready to smell dead leaves. I want to enter someone's home and get all wrapped up in the warmth of Cinnamon and apples. I want to see everything shift to pumpkin spice.. and break out those beautiful clothes, which to this day, remain my favorite to wear.

I love my scarves. I love my boots. I love the way my hair smells in colder weather. I like that I can actually take a deep breath, and not feel like I am in a sauna. I like that I can wear something more than once, without having to over wash it and destroy the fabric.

It's time. 

What are you most looking forward too?

Feeling Girl~ish

As I was getting ready this morning, I felt rather.. well.. girl-ish. That's a good thing, consider I am the recipient of XX Chromosomes.

I believe the morning ritual for most girls will set the tone for the day. For me, it involves coffee (of course,) and styling a little outfit for myself: complete with jewelry and makeup. Let's not forget the hair, though to be honest, since the 80's have passed, I am not one to really "style" my hair.

As I pulled out my favorite colors to wear (black and charcoal gray,) and a fantastic pair of tights and Mary Jane heels, I felt very much like a woman. Again - I am a woman. Today felt different.

I moved at a slower pace; I spent a little extra time exfoliating and lathering. I decided to linger over my collection of perfumes, and instinctively grabbed the Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. It just felt right.

I even spent a little time sipping my coffee, listening to "Coffee Shop Rock" on I Heart Radio and flipping through my latest issue of Southern Living. I smiled a few times as I turned each page.. each one full of fall decor ideas and recipes. It just felt right.

It's nice to be wrapping up this decade, and heading into a new chapter. I have learned so much over the years, and feel like I am finally in a more stable place. (As in how things work, what to do, etc.) I have even learned my lesson about over sharing, even though I still believe I have a right to tell you about my life, I have learned that judgement will soon follow, along with well-intended advice, which sometimes is warranted, other times.. it just bothers me, which puts me in a not-so-great-mood.

Today I am embracing me. Just as I am. Blue eyes, brown hair and intensely inquisitive. Though the bumps of the day may slow me down, I'm actually okay with that... I am savoring those slower moments, and in the process.. finding me.

I Want To Smell Dead Leaves - Revisited

Time to flash back to August 28, 2009. One of the first blog posts I ever wrote on Destination Unknown AND it was about Fall:

It is time to smell those dead leaves. What I mean by this - I want fall to arrive. Crisp air, golden and purple hues, warm sunsets, and the smell - oh the glorious smell of the leaves.

I feel so blessed to be able to live somewhere where we actually experience four seasons. Maybe not as glorious as some places, but living in the south we get a beautiful fall (although it is a little later down here), a cold winter (every once in a blue moon we get some snow), a magnificent spring and an blazing hot & sunny summer.

One of my faves and perhaps my absolute favorite is Autumn.

Even the energy in the air changes for me. I am so sensitive to energy and when the temps change and the colors change I become very invigorated. I can breathe deeper, I smile more - it is fascinating how the change in the seasons brings this on.

Fall even represents some other great things - the holidays. I am such a celebrant. I could find a theme and excuse to make a party for just about any day. I love love love Halloween. I love seeing all of the orange and black, picking out scary costumes, eating candy corn. Turns out, I am an awesome pumpkin carver! Seriously! I even taught a few pumpkin carving classes about 8 years ago. LOL- that is my little secret I just revealed.

I love Thanksgiving. The idea of gathering with family and making a "harvest-style" meal is fun. I can see all of the colors by this time - the golds, purples, reds, orange - warm colors that make me want to sigh.

Then we head into the glorious month of December - fall comes to an end and we celebrate with Christmas.

How can you not just adore this time of year??

It also made me think about something. The life of a leaf. The tree is barren and dormant in the winter. The it erupts with this glorious bright green in the spring - slowly shows off with a few flowers (from time to time) - then turns the darkest rich green in summer as if time has made it wise and it understands it is a part of the tree- then in fall.. right before it dies, it is the most beautiful it has ever been.

I wonder how that applies to our lives?

Seasons Change - Revisited

I find myself revisiting old blog posts that capture the essence of fall. Here is another post I wrote, in October of 2010. It's funny to read the commentary... just enjoy!

Seasons Change, October 18, 2010:

Many things have transpired since Saturday - 1. our internet and cable was OUT all weekend, so I have been unable to truly write or comment. For that, I apologize. My hope is when I return home, the technician will have fixed everything. 2. I got a NEW camera, and with that - you finally get to see the way I spend my days. (Yes.. I know you are DYING to see that.. hahaha.) I always love seeing YOUR day to day pictures, so here is part 2 of my Saturday. :-) Enjoy!

Side of a building in downtown Birmingham

I just love St. Francis

My friends - Jamie & Laura

Sleepy little angel

After a little venture through Pepper Place Saturday market and a walk through a gardening store, we decided it was time for a little pick-me-up. We headed over to Urban Standard, one of our favorite cafes in Birmingham, AL.

I ordered a vanilla latte and egg & gouda cheese croissant! Like the coffee art???

Jamie is the Queen of Cheese Grits.

Laura ordered Sausage and Cheese Grits and had the world's longest tea bag.

Great People + Great Conversation + Great Coffee = Priceless!

Jamie is our newly wed. Her ring is divine, n'est pas?

Next we ventured into an antique store

Then we headed over to Author Miller's Art Studio to see his latest work! AMAZING

Then we saw a beautiful store full of the most amazing rugs!

Laura is from Johnson City, Tennessee and Jamie is from Valdosta, Georgia and I am from Macon, Georgia. We were discussing the prices of cotton "sprigs." WAAAY over priced. In Georgia, you can pull over on the side of the road and snip a few. Some places sell them for as much as $15 - $50 a bunch.

And now.. for a little video (not much) - but I did gather a few little snippets! (Yes, you will hear southern accents! ;-) )