Tea Parties, Rappers, and Life's Little Surprises

This week was just full of surprises. 

I woke up Monday morning, finally feeling a sense of peace and calm. I actually got a good night's sleep, awake feeling energized and motivated, then I set out to embark on a new week.

Things have been going fantastically at the Cannonball House. We just got word that we are going to receive a grant from the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) to help restore one of our front columns. This is a very important, as well as, necessary task. (Not to mention, very expensive.) Today we are going through round two for the Watson Brown grant. The Junior Board is arriving for a site visit, and if we receive this, along with the DAR grant, we will have all the funds we need to complete the task! That would be a huge bee in our bonnet!

That Monday morning, I made it back to the gym (first time in weeks, if I am being honest with myself. I pushed myself harder than I have in a while, and it felt good. That bit of sweat and exertion just put me into a deeper state of relaxation. 

Then I got home.

I got the word that my roomie was moving on the greener pastures. (Aka moving on with her significant other,) and I would have to make other plans in late June. Alas, my life is flipped upside again. Luckily, my sister will be my port in the storm, until I figure out the next chapter in my life. I'll be moving back to Jones County this summer, living with her and my niece temporarily. Yes, my stuff will end up back in storage, and yes, I will be staying in my niece's room, but this too shall pass. I just don't have enough time to figure out my next move. Until then, I can help her out with Auttie Blossom and save a little money in the process. 

Though that surprise was slightly unwelcome, I did find a few small blessings along the way!

For one, very good friends have come along to offer me boxes, help with moving, and general good vibes. I am completely thankful for these people. Luckily, my friends Betsy & Gary got married last weekend, and with that came tons of boxes of gifts shipped to them. Now I have bubble wrap, scrunchy paper, and box after box. 

Just last night a series of good deeds came my way. My friend, Scott, called and asked me to dinner. His partner, Bill, was out of town, and my SG lives almost two hours away, so we went to eat Thai at a local restaurant called, "Lemongrass - A Thai Bistro," which is owned by my friend Gary. 

I opted for the Green Chicken Curry. YUUUUMMMM

After dinner, I popped by Roasted, and saw my friends, Floco Torres do a free concert for his latest release, #dreamboard with producer/DJ Shawty Slim. (Yes, THE Shawty Slim.)

Following the concert, my friend Molly from Southern Bon Vivant, invited me for a drink at Dovetail, a farm-to-table restaurant in Downtown Macon.

Our friend, Ryan, whipped us up a delicious glass of Sangria. 

Earlier that day, I got the opportunity to meet a ridiculously talented chef by the name of Michael Wright. He is the Corporate Chef for the HotPlates Restaurant Group. He has traveled and worked under some of the most talented Executive Chefs in the Southeast. I interviewed him for an article that I am writing for Macon Magazine. 

I also got the opportunity to interview tons of super talented coaches for this summer's Otis Music Camp for the 11th Hour. (Otis.. as in Otis Redding.) 

Lots of good writing ops ahead. 

Finally, my staff put on a fantastic tea party for mommies and their daughters. 
They ladies got to make tussy mussies, learn the "language of flowers," and go on an herbal scavenger hunt in our Victorian Garden.

Oh yeah.. one more thing.

What do you get when you mix Nutella + Bananas + Espresso?

THIS. 

Ocmulgee Trader's

Sitting In The Tower

Surrounded by hotel shuttle info, Southern Living, and website updates

 “You can be the most beautiful person in the world and everybody sees light and rainbows when they look at you, but if you yourself don't know it, all of that doesn't even matter. Every second that you spend on doubting your worth, every moment that you use to criticize yourself; is a second of your life wasted, is a moment of your life thrown away. It's not like you have forever, so don't waste any of your seconds, don't throw even one of your moments away.” 
― C. JoyBell C.

I have not wasted one single second.
2015 has shaped up to be a glorious year. If I set aside the financial struggles (which, if we are perfectly honest with ourselves, we all have them to some degree,) life has truly made up for the cosmic cluster f*ck it shoved down my throat in 2014. 

With that being said, I have been extremely busy. So busy that I can't think of a sufficient word to describe how slightly overwhelmed I have felt. 

Luckily, this past weekend I was able to pull it together and sort out my thoughts. When this happens, I am able to write... again.

I thought the best thing I could do today, is share with you some of what I have been up to. In the world of "me" - there is never a dull moment. ;-)

I suppose we could start with Easter weekend. I went down to spend it with my S.G. This is Preston United Methodist Church. This is the church he grew up in. 

We had a relaxed Easter lunch down at the cabin, The entire family (and extended family) came down for a Potluck dinner Fishing, Paddle Boats, and tons of laughs. 

That weekend,S. G. took me out to eat for a nice steak dinner at The Station in Americus. Quiet, relaxed, and the food was pretty good.

We also went antiquing in a little town called Sasser.

I found the quirkiest items in one shop called "Alice & Jay"

In my evenings - a little Skype time with my S.G. & his girls always makes my night

I even got some Auttie Blossom time. Don't you just love the 8 year old attitude?

Finally made some time for my "Mean Girls" lunch date. 

Got another story published - this feature was in the 11th Hour. 

Bonding time.,

Then there was this event I threw.
Oh yeah...
Please watch the video...
I'm quite proud.. really..

Then....

Of course... I just had to attend the Just Tap'd Craft Beer Festival in Macon. 

The turn out was spectacular. Even with the rain!

This past Saturday, I attended Betsy Campbell & Gary Ballard's wedding. What a surprise - for her reception (and first dance,) Otis Redding III performed for them! (Yes, that's the son of THE Otis Redding.)

Sneaking a pic with the bride. To the right is Josephine, a dear friend and Station Manager of Georgia Public Broadcasting, 

Finally, I'm always harping on about how cool little Macon is... or how much it drives me crazy. Just like family, when it does something to make me proud, I like to show her off. Well... we're in the May 2015 issue of Southern Living.
And yes.. the people selected are awesome. All very involved in our community and good people.


Well... that's been my past couple of weeks. 
Nothing profound to share.
Just living life.

I have a busy week ahead - conducting three interviews for some stories I've been asked to write, Otis Redding Music Camp for the 11th Hour and The Amerson Water Park reopening and a spotlight on Hot Plate Group's new chef for Macon Magazine. 

Good stuff!

I am also participating in Bibb County's Relay for Life on Friday night. I'm on the Bibb County Executive Leadership Board for the American Cancer Society. I am looking forward to a very successful fundraiser.

THEN - GUESS WHO TURNS 9 THIS WEEK?

Auttie Blossom!

And finally - I am headed to the American Alliance of Museum's Annual Conference in Atlanta for a week. 

Busy Busy Busy.

What are YOU up to?

PS - Sitting in the Tower refers to my office. We call it the tower. Our house is large and the view from my office over looks Mulberry Street. 

Things I'm obsessed with

I am trying something new. I am actually writing this post from my cell phone.
I'm pretty sure, just like when I am texting friends, that autocorrect is going to wreak havoc on this - but it is worth a try.

You see... my laptop has gone kaput.

Okay.. so here it goes...

Things I'm  obsessed with:

1. Epsom Salt. It is true. I take an Epsom salt bath at least 3 times a week. I swear by it! It helps with aches & pains, and if you do the research, it also helps remove toxins. Either way, I feel fantastic after my baths. I even get the Dr. Teal's version with the essential oils to help with relaxation . If you decide to try it, remember to soak for 20 minutes. Let me know how it goes!

2. Exfoliation. If you are a friend of mine, you know I have to exfoliate daily. For the past year, I've used Aveeno Positively Radiant skin brightening scrub. My skin looks smooth, polished, and it truly helps with those fine lines and gives you a youthful glow.

3. Vinegar. I've loved vinegar since I was able to eat solid food. I particularly love apple cider vinegar & balsamic. As it turns out, my obsession is actually incredibly  good for your system. If I was more proficient with this app, I would attempt to go and sight what is so good, instead I'm asking you to Google search it. I put it on just about anything. Also, I take one shot of Apple Cider vinegar per night. Look up the benefits. You will be amazed.

4. Limes. I also love limes. I squirt lime juice into my sodas, on my chicken,  really anything that pairs well with its flavor. Once again, another obsession that is actually good for you.

5. Fans. So my S.G. has been teasing me about the wind tunnel I like to sleep in. In the warmer months, I go for a three fan approach. My ceiling fan for an all-over  body experience; the small fan that hit my feet; a large box fan that hits me straight on. Not to mention, the a/c cranked down to 68.

Those are 5 things I'm obsessing over. What are your 5 things?

Springtime Around the Way: Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon

I have spent the past couple of weekends just soaking in as much sunshine and good times as humanly possible. The weather has been absolutely perfect! The trees are blooming, the sun is shining, and the breeze is a perfect mix of jasmine and fresh cut grass. 

I used to say that fall was my favorite time of year, and I'm sure that is only because I get so excited about the holidays. But if I am completely honest with myself, spring and summer is my favorite. It is hard to keep that in sight when you live in such a hot and humid area. If I can keep my mind on all of the fun we can have... well then... it's alright.

It is Cherry Blossom time in Macon, Georgia. My Sweet Guy and his girls came up for a visit. I got the chance to show off the beautiful pink petals all over our fair city. Behind us in this pic is Third Street Park in downtown Macon. We were visiting the Mulberry Festival - sponsored by Middle Georgia Art Association

The Cherry Blossom Festival takes place over 10 days. One of the big events happens at Central City Park. The first weekend of the festival, I went with my dad and niece to the Carnival. You can see my dad and niece riding the Pirate Ship./

What is a festival without Pink Margaritas?

Another one of the big events is the Food Truck Frenzy. Unfortunately, Macon does not have a plethora of food trucks, so it is a treat to get the ones down here from Atlanta. I was thrilled to see my favorite from last year return - Mixed Up. I ordered the buffalo cheese fries. DIVINE.

The city goes absolutely pink blossom crazy in March! We don't call it the pinkest party on Earth for nothing! Amanda's Cakery made these delicious Cherry Amaretto cupcakes.

Two Words - Cotton Candy.

I did mention we have blossoms right? Lots and lots and lots....

of blossoms. There are over 300,000 Yoshino Cherry Trees in Macon. This makes us the Cherry Blossom capital of the world!

My niece rode this ride!

Even I got into the spirit with my Cherry Blossom Scarf.

Sweet Guy and the girls

I actually wrote the articles about the Cherry Blossom Festival for the 11th Hour and for Macon Magazine. To say I had to get into the Pink Spirit is an understatement. :-)

If you get a chance to visit Macon - make sure to mark the third week in Macon as the one to do it. The weather is typically perfect and the community erupts with flowers.