when i ain’t drinkin’ baby, you are on my mind

I’m sitting at St John’s with the roommates and we’re all working on our goals for the next year. Of course, this means I’m mostly listening to music and sometimes writing, sometimes distracting, but mostly staring at a page and drinking water.

My word for 2013 is commit. I want to commit to the things I’ve resolved to do, and to the life I am living here and to the relationships I have been given. This song doesn’t really apply to any of that, but it is the song of the moment, so I’ll share it as well.

 

 

Ruston Peach Festival

The Ruston Peach Festival (again, a post 6 months in the making) was a blast. I had been talking about going since I first visited Ruston, scarily almost 10 years ago. It was everything I had imagined and more. I ate delicious peaches, baked/sizzled in the hot sun, and fed a coon with my bare hand. Also, I stocked up on random canned delicacies like Garlic Pickle Chips, Peach Salsa, and Peach Butter. Yum!

The conveyor belt of goodness at Mitcham Farms.

Bubba the motorcycle riding squirrel and her owner. This was a the craft/bazaar in downtown Ruston. We got to help Brittany’s mom, Ms. Michelle, sell some of her amazing handmade items. They’re all put together from old pocket watches. I love my earrings and the necklace I got that weekend!

The racoons at Grandmother’s house (Brittany’s grandmother). They come over every night for a meal provided by Mrs. McGehee, usually scoops of dog food and any delicious leftovers she may have in the fridge or pantry. She even has a pan of water she leaves out so they can wash their food, if they’re so inclined.

This is one of my favorite photos from the day, this little guy was so cute!

Here’s proof that I fed a ‘coon! I was pretty thrilled, since I’ve had a dream of owning or interacting with racoons ever since I saw Rascal. Needless to say, those little hand-like paws only poured fuel on the fire. If only they weren’t so destructive/didn’t carry rabies.

Cinco de Derby

Please forgive me my late, late posting. I figure I’m under the mark for a full year since the event [pats self on back], so it seems to be not quite so bad.

This May we hosted a combo Cinco de Mayo and Kentucky Derby party, hence the Cinco de Derby title. It was a success, and I can’t wait for the second annual!

The bar, prepped for Mint Juleps and Margaritas

Everyone on the back porch, enjoying the company, food, and slightly muggy weather.

Esca made a new friend, always easier when there’s a snack involved.

Derby style.

Christine collecting her trophy for guessing the correct winner, I’ll Have Another.

The purse for this win almost rivaled the actual Derby purse. Almost.

I’ve been a keen eyed observer of the movements of concentric parts

Now I’ll be bold, as well as strong and use my head alongside my heart…

I’m the king of my own land. Facing tempests of dust, I’ll fight until the end.

 

This song makes me want to climb mountains and watch the sunrise reflect off of cliffs and set fire to rivers.

Chattanooga

Earlier this summer the roommates all travelled up to Chattanooga for a wedding and to visit friends. It was a great time and we had a blast hiking the mountains around town and then seeing the sights. What a great city, I can’t wait to return!

Hiking to Buzzard’s Point

What a view!

Rach and Brittany in their wedding finery – beautiful!

Walking around downtown Chat, waiting to get dinner at the The Terminal.

River reflections. Chat has such a great feel at night, it’s not crazy, but it’s perfect for after dinner strolling.

Breakfast at the amazing Aretha Frankensteins. I can’t wait to go back!

This breakfast didn’t need Instagram to make it look better, but I added it anyway. Wowza.

  These girls are pretty great, no?

We made friends with this little guy on our way home. He stuck with us from Chat all the way to Mississippi, and then hopped off for another adventure.

This little lonely boy was ready for our return, we missed him too!