Last night I stayed up after everyone else was asleep and read Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt in its entirety. Winnie Foster made the right decision, and that toad will live forever. But for some reason I can't get over how she passed up Jesse's proposal and decided to go on in life. The day I find someone to grow old with will be the happiest day of my life, the day I know forever I will have him to make me laugh and cry and smile and sing. And he'll be well worth the wait. So tonight what childish novel should I stick my nose in. It only took me till 12:48 to finish the 139 pages of Tuck and I felt ecstatically accomplished. The storm is raging outside my window and it feels like the rain is falling sideways onto my window panes, so I've got my blankie and my flashlight and it must be time for an adventure. I think I'll pick up one of my favorites: Gwinna by Barbara Helen Berger. It has pictures and my daddy bought it for me a long time ago. Whenever I would read it the same song would come on the radio...which sadly now I can't remember the name of or who sings it. But when your feeling whimsical, here's a hint: pick up some kiddie lit, be it a Magic Treehouse book or a picture book, they are all beautiful. Some of my favorites include; Amelia Bedelia, Madeline, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon, Corduroy by Don Freeman, Not Just a Witch by Eva Ibbotson, and The Man in the Ceiling as well as A Barrel of Laughs A Vale of Tears both by Jules Feiffer. Thank you Mr. Feiffer for teaching me about the sanctum sanctorum. Now Gwinna and I are going flying beneath the cover of thunder and lightning and rose smelling pink blankies. Some things will never change...

Captain's Log

We are headed home today. The southern adventure has come to a close and we Yankees are heading back to our territory. I haven’t been home in 3 ½ weeks. I miss my own bed and the comfort of lying on the floor with my lovey dovey puppy. I am typing this in the car on I-85 North going 70 mph. We ended up where my adventure started last night…Salisbury NC. A lot has happened since I last updated. That morning when JT and Remington headed home, we took an adventure in a graveyard and visited an airplane hangar. Our graveyard excursion took us to the site of William Sydney Porter’s final resting place. O. Henry, the great mastermind behind those infamous plot twists. I’m such a creep I wanted to find him when I heard that his grave was only a few miles from our hotel in Asheville. The graveyard was spectacular as graveyards come. Hilly, with winding roads and ancient graves. We spent a long time driving around trying to find it and then finally did. It was covered in trinkets that other admirers had left such as shells and bottle caps. I had nothing to offer. My dream is to go to Baltimore for the birthday of Poe celebration where the mystery man leaves a rose and some liquor on his grave. Oh, written word how you have captivated me. Dead authors are hawt. :D

After having done what I wanted, we were obligated of course to please the other half. We went to the WNC Air Museum…a small hangar with a portly man named Bob who was surprised that people came at opening hour or even came at all that day. Our self guided tour took all of 10 minutes. He was nice though, and we had fun laughing at my sorry attempt at the helicopter simulator. Well old planes are neat anyway so I wasn’t too upset. Our next destination was Knoxville, TN. I was so excited to go to TN because it’s my favorite state to spell. Teehee. We were visiting the city, trying to catch their annual history fair/party in the square thingy. We caught the tail end, shopped a little bit, and got lost. It was hilarious to see all the people jump when the reenactors fired their guns. I guess being a reenactor yourself you get used to it after the first round and a cannon shot. We attempted also to find the World’s Fair park but it wasn’t easy even after shy little me waltzed into the Walgreens and asked the hot photo guy for directions. We gave up after that. Knoxville is a very spread out city and while it’s nice I couldn’t live there.

We got back on the highway and drove to Chattanooga for the night. The next day we took a day trip to Nashville. We ate at the coolest best burger place ever…Paradise Park…if you’re ever in Nashville, skip the Hard Rock Café and go there…it’s cheaper and the food and atmosphere is far superior. We shopped in all the touristy places and ended up not even buying souvenirs for people. Sorry. We also drove around the campus of one of my dream schools…Vanderbilt…but it was move in day so we couldn’t really explore too much. I decided I wanted cowgirl boots so we drove out of the inner city and along the highway found an outlet. Where I got 59.99 boots that would have run 250.00 if they weren’t on clearance. They are reddish and gorgeous and I am going to wear them forever. Chattanooga found us again for the evening and we had Chinese, which I sadly wasn’t really in the mood to eat. I have lost my appetite from being sick on many occasions this trip. It’s saddening.

The next day we scheduled the only official college visit I have taken. With Covenant College. I love that school. The campus is on top of Lookout Mountain and gorgeous. Their motto is “In all things, Christ preeminent” I love that. We got free t-shirts and a great tour of the campus and even ate lunch in the dining hall. Everyone was so nice. And I’m basically sold on that school. Before we could check into the cottage we booked with the college, we took a trip to Rock City…basically the best views of the mountain for a price. It was really neat. We saw Lover’s Leap, a huge waterfall from atop which you can see 7 states. Robert and I even went across the swing rope bridge. Scarrrrry but awesome. Then there was a creepy section called fairyland caverns, with blacklit gnomes and fluorescent cave paintings of fairytales. It was awkward and creepy and claustrophobia inducing in a dark tunnel. Weird. For dinner we went to Chattanooga’s downtown district…Cheeburger Cheeburger. Mmmmm yummmmm. I got a “Chocolate Covered Banana” milkshake and it was heavenly. Yes, I like to talk about my food. And take pictures of it. Haha my family hides their faces whenever I pull out my camera. We stayed in the cottage then woke up and drove 7 hours to Salisbury. Where our story ends. With Winks BBQ dinner, the best Hampton Inn ever and a good night’s sleep before our 8 hour trip home.

Some funny tidbits I neglected to mention while I gave you the general gist.

1. At the bottom of Lookout Mountain is a Rite Aid where we stocked up on candy and soda and cookies. The young man behind the counter recognized that someone in our family was in the military for a certain reason and began to discuss with us how he was going into the USAF. We told him we were college hunting and he responded…”Good luck with that college stuff raises hands in bear like motion ROAR”. I think we almost peed ourselves it was so hilarious. I wanted to roar back and say Good luck with that Air Force stuff. Haha I guess you had to be there.

2. On the Rock City hike we came upon a couple and their parents. They were in their mid 20’s and it was pretty adorable until they posed for a picture and beer gut suspendered father held the camera up and said “Ok smile, and say communist.” They cheesed it up and in unison a hilarious echoing “Communist.” Came out of their mouths. Really, though? I mean if you want to shake things up a bit why not use something like Munster, blue cheese, gouda, brie, or any other assortment of cheeses. Haha people. Hippies. Joy.

3. The new Volkswagen meets hybrid commercial is HILARIOUS.

4. And Tiffany from As the Bell Rings is great at saying “10,000 pounds of mud Mud MUD!”

5. Tennessee citizens must not be afraid of fire or they must get insurance for it really cheap; because all along the highway are signs for fireworks outlets. “10,000 sq. feet of explosives, gas, and cold beer!” Oh and I am being completely serious. Outlet stores called Big Daddy’s advertising for miles their gas, beer and fireworks. Southerners have the best combination ideas. Pork and BBQ, RC Cola and moonpies….gasoline, alcohol, and roman candles. :D

6. Almost every major city we’ve gotten a little turned around in has gotten us back on the right track with a handy street named Gay St. Thanks Asheville, Knoxville, and Nashville for humoring me with Gay St. (One Way)

My punch buggy count is higher than mom’s For the Record. And I will continue to prevail as the champion of that game forever. Haha yes!

PS. Brittany: Our favorite senator passed away today. boo hoo. So sad that a criminal is gone from our midst; not! My sympathies go to his family for their loss, but really they should be happy too…they get the inheritance and don’t have the burden of a brain cancer patient on their hands anymore. Happy day.

3:33 pm:
We’re stuck in Baltimore traffic. 3 lanes are closed for an accident and I really hope it’s still there when we pass. I’m a curious George. Mom says I’m one of the weird people that would chase ambulances, but that seems tragic and not me. I like traffic, ha when I am not driving. It’s interesting to watch people. Oh man, the tow truck just came speeding up the shoulder honking obnoxiously trying to get to the accident scene.
My brother just tried to make a joke about me blogging. “What does a pirate write all his thoughts in?” “A Blarrrrrgh”. Wow.
I’m on the hunt for Volkswagens, funny people, a good radio station, and someone with an obnoxious license plate. We just rounded a curve and the traffic/accident backup is as far as the eye can see. It must be really bad. I pray the people involved survived and that their families have comfort at this time. The shoulders are dotted with people who have in their inattentiveness caused their own mini fender benders. We just passed a car that said “Republicans for Voldemort” I was thoroughly confused. We have seen 3 fire marshals, but they are not headed anywhere in a hurry so I guess they just got off duty and want to get home like the rest of us. Also I am yet amazed at the number of people that do stupid things while driving…text! , clip their nails? , and feed their babies. Oh humanity you fascinate me.

And finally...I am home. With a messy room, a puppy and family that loves me, a package to send, and copious amounts of schoolwork to complete. My lumpy bed feels nice and my room is a pleasant getaway. thanks for the memories.

Defiance and Mason Jars

Yesterday we went to Fort Defiance in Lenoir, NC to you know feed my historical needs. It was really cool and the guide was right, one of the best restorations from that era that I have seen. If you ever get a chance, which I doubt you will, read up on Gen. William Lenoir and his family, he was a brilliant man with a lot of innovative ideas. The tour guide was really nice although got into her personal history a little too far. It was kinda funny because she had auburn hair, tan shirt and shorts, and reddish freckles and everything matched...even her hazel eyes. These are things I notice about people. Also located on the property was the largest pedigreed Beech tree in North Carolina. I love trees. Maybe that's odd, but I do and it was huge and knobbly and brilliant. We took cheesy pictures in front of it. Then we walked to the family grave yard and saw the grave of these two sisters that died on the same day and were buried in the same casket, supposedly holding hands. Cute but kind of freaky.
Today we drove from McGrady to Asheville. We stopped at the McGrady post office first so I could mail post cards. It was a tiny little place with only one person inside, on the telephone negotiating some insurance policy in a little cloud of smoke. I probably increased her workload that day by 200% by putting the cards in the deposit slot instead of just handing them to her. Stupid Yankee, mountain ladies don't want to get off their butts and empty deposit boxes. The drive down took us through some gorgeous country and I got hundreds of pictures of mountains and clouds because for some reason they're a lot bigger and fluffier down here. We stopped in the perfect "one horse town" as the police chief called it. It was called Old Fort....used to be a fort protecting against the Indians. We got subs at the Whistle Stop Cafe and ate in the park.
Once in Asheville we tried to find a hotel and eventually settled on the Quality Inn that lets us have Remington and has a pool. Robert and I went swimming and had a memorable experience. picture big tan guy with a beer belly and a tatt on his pec of a cross/eagle; his hawaiian flower print shirt slung over a chair and his aucoustic guitar ready to be played. He started with some country songs and then sang this... to reach us youngin twins...the only audience swimming. He had trouble singing it and the sheryl part so he asked me to haha but I wasn't singing a duet with a stranger..I'm not going to lie that I wanted to but I would have butchered it. We got serenaded a lot. Dinner was terrific at the Moose Cafe that I found online....chicken and dumplings....mac and cheese Apple Butter in a freaking squeeze bottle! and TEA IN A MASON JAR. Heaven. yes.
I took some NyQuil and am waiting for it to knock me out. Tomorrow we part with the dog and JT and head to Tennessee. Hopefully I can drive and won't cough so much. More swimming ahead. I wanted to go swimming when we got back from dinner because this hot Texan teen was there, but alas I felt icky. So anyway...till the next wifi hotspot. G'Bye Y'all!
Gorgeous skies:

Remington was pooped and hot and crashed on the bathroom floor. so cute:

Tea in a mason jar! Apple Butter in a Squeeze bottle!

Well this is awkward....

Today my family and I left our cabin retreat with the sole purpose of finding free wifi internet connection. Wow, the family that used to be the slowskies is now addicted to facebook, blogging, and other web friendly people. We had my brother sit in the car with his internet connection box open, refereshing it when we drove past the pizza hut and the Mickey D's. We awkwardly walked into the McDonald's all with briefcases slung over our backs; found a seat in the back and tried to gain access. I felt like a creeper. Then we found out you have to pay to use it. GAH!!! That was a waste of embarrasment, really?!?! Anyway, we asked a local and they gave us directions to the library. We are currently in the most densley populated town in Ashe county...North Wilkesboro, with around 1000 people or so. We waltzed in, sat down and I was bombarded with facebook messages. yay. Oh and Laura, you'll love this... first one to chat with me on Facebook? LMC. hahaha ignore.
So for most of this adventure I have been sick and in bed, but there are lots of highlights and we aren't even halfway through. Turns out we went 6 miles too far up the mountain and had to turn around. This nice fellow named John in overalls on the side of the road sold us honey and pickles and told us how to find our gorgeous temporary home. This is John and JT chatting it up:

We drove back down and then found the tiny turn off to our cabin, took an unexpected, unnecessary rollercoaster like drive up a STEEP gravel path and then drove back down, parked and let the dog out only to have a heart attack as he went running aimlessly around and almost off a cliff. Luckily his spidey senses kicked in and he stopped.
We drove to Boone the next day. Picture hippies, moonshine, kayaking, and all this at the bottom of a mountain. Boone is the hometown of Appalachian State University. It was nice but I don't know if I could go to college there...you can only take so many dreadheads, tiedyed, incencse burning college kids who ride their bikes everywhere and have hemp backpacks for so long. Some days you need that, some days it's crazy ville and the moonshine makes you see straight. We ate at Boone Drug...a cute little drugstore cafe thing and then drove home. We have noticed in North Carolina or at least these few counties, that the major industry is Christmas Tree Farms that dot the countryside and that almost guaranteeabley, the church on the corner is Baptist or has no windows and most likely worships snakes. I love the mountains. And yes, those green dots are all individually laid out christmas trees:

The next experience is quite relatable to a Rob Zombie movie such as you know, House of 1,000 Corpses, I don't know it reminded me of that kind of thing. All the way up and down the mountain are signs saying "check out Wild Woody's" "Have to see it to believe it" Well I was hooked. Turned out to be this really creepy store full of antiques, mannequinns, and piano rolls. We walked in and saw this:

Cool looking right? I thought so too. Until I walked into a room with what I thought was a mannequinn until it moved and talked. Meet Blondie the proprieter's neice, lovechild, who knows what age she is, employee. I almost jumped into the rafters. Her voice was like Magenta from Rocky Horror and she talked and talked. There was some cool stuff, but the models were too much, I didn't need a record because I unfortunately don't own a player and the ice cream looked iffy...because wax model candles of ice cream covered the freezer. If anywhere there was a hole in the wall, Woody's was it. Now we are travelling again today, I'll update as soon as I can and try and get rid of this horrible cough I have. But for now, I am just happy I can cross off another goal on my list.... #39. Take a family vacation with Remington. I hope your journeys take you to places and days like these.

Lack of Creative Freedom?

   I am going to a cabin in the woods on 11 acres near a waterfall with my family and my own queen size bed for 4 days. No phone, no internet, no blogging and no facebook. So here's what I am going to do. I am going to write in the journal I have been regretfully neglecting, sketch more, take lots of pictures and write one monster post when I reach an internet cafe. This is what I need, the time and resources to get off the computer and still be thoughtful, productive and gleeful. I've been sick for the last few days but I feel better now. Tonight I went fishing using baby toads as bait. Sorry, but the fish like them better than worms. My momma is here and I feel like a child in her arms, I love laying on the couch with my head in her lap while she strokes my hair. I haven't seen her for more than a few hours in almost a month. Boy have I missed her. So when I resurface on the internet, feel free to pester me for updates, photos, crazy little antecdotes, and funny little quotes. Thank you for being interested, you all keep me inspired.

I am NOT to blame, Point your finger elsewhere

Thanks. Oh it's so nice to know that I was the only wrong one. The devil child, the bitch, the horrible person you think I am. Sitting on a roof screaming to God for help and a malicious man staring you down delighting in your torture is absolutely how I am wrong. You know what, you can believe what it is that you want. I tried. I wanted a relationship and you have no right to tell me I didn't or that I was the rejector. Honestly, I would love to have him back. But I can perceptively say now, as I type and try to hide the tears from the company, that I have a heavenly father and a step father that would do anything for me. You're correct, communication is a two way street and you can't be the go between so I'm not calling, but I'll talk if he wants to and can grow a pair. You can pardon my French in an argument but I have to hear yours all the time. Somewhere there is an incongruency and everything I have sought or listened to tells me that I am not the source of it, he is.
Because the non-believer should become the judge? "Where is that Christian teaching of honor and respect for your father? You can not mouth the words and then act differently"

I had an amazing time at my great aunt and uncle's house last night. Wore the cutest outfit, had the most amazing chicken pie ever, and heard some funny stories. Here's the rundown:
1. We are in the car on the way over and there is a song playing about taking a ride "on my big green tractor", which I forget the title of. Watch it be obvious. Anyway, my Granny here's the line and says, "He must have a John Deere! You know, they come in all kinds of sizes." It just struck me as really hilarious because it implied that they come in sizes like big, small, itty bitty.
2. At dinner Uncle Bob says, "If I had a wide enough smile, I'd look like a snaggletooth mule." Aunt Sarah and I were dying, almost choked on our chicken pie.
3. Uncle Bob then proceeded to tell us the dream he had last night. He was working in a tobacco plant and the workers were not mixing it the proper way, moving it to the wrong locations and such. So the boss told him to make sure with whatever means necessary they did their job correctly. Riding in on his horse he was assaulted with conductor's batons that they were shooting at him out of rifles and shotguns of every type. The worst part he said was "The majority of them hit me in the bum and those buggers sting."
4. Uncle Romas is amazing. He goes looking around in the fridge before dinner while we are all talking at the kitchen table and comes over to me with a bowl. Full of homemade chocolate icing! Where else but Salisbury could I get a bowl of dessert before dinner? Then after dinner we had brownies with coffee ice cream, homemade chocolate syrup, whipped cream and a cherry. ahhhh
So today I was in a grand mood and now I am not, because I am masochistic. I am still friends with my father on facebook, I guess for selfish reasons and because as much as I can convince others, I am not ready to let go. We used to go to Rehobeth every year and get Old Time photos. We even have one in their browsing albums. They were a Robert, Sam, and Dad personal memory. This week my brother is there, but of course I'm not, he kicked me out...I'll tell you more if you want to know. And his girlfriend, her two daughters, sister, and her parents are also there. Guess he can just be happy with his new family. Blood must not matter. His status this morning read, "Off to the beach for the day! Old time photos anyone???" I wanted so bad to ignore the obviously pointed comment, but like I said, I am a masochist and I didn't. I commented, "I can't believe you have the nerve to do those without me. thanks "DAD" " Stupid Samantha. He doesn't even care so why bother. It's things like this that drag me back into that black hole of pity, regret, loneliness, and hatred. I don't want to have those emotions and so I don't cry about it, I don't complain, I am open with what I did wrong and forgive him for how he hurt me, but I can't escape the memory or longing for a father daughter bond. He won't even talk to me and I guess it's so easy for him to erase.
So Bree, I am encouraged by your attempting to find yourself. I need to purge things from my life too, horrible unrefferable cravings, hate and dismay. I have tried countless times, but I am DOING IT THIS TIME. At least getting rid of one thing that is destroying me. I can't afford to fall again.

Sketching and listening. Have you ever listened closely to bumblebees in the yard? They have conversations. Some lumber on by with their deep voices and their slow manner. Those are the grandpa bees. You can tell them distinctly by the way they fly in a straight line. They are my favorite. Then there are the teenage boy bees; They dive bomb your head when you are trying to get the perfect shade of purple mixed for your lilac. Their antics are all show, and really they wouldn't harm you. They chase the high pitched girl bees who land on a flower then spin around and find another. Bees are wonderful, even when I run from them because I don't want to get stung. It's nice to listen in from time to time. We coexist with each other. I'm listening to this while I type and it makes me cry.
Today's sketch. Derwent coloured pencils and oil pastels. Can you paint with all the colors of the wind? Sunflower petal in lower corner.

June 18th 2009 11pm prompted by insomnia.
Crayola 64 pack, pink avon lipstick. oil pastel.

5 is the new 16, and 35 is the new 50

I knew I loved Remington!
Now, I don't want to make this a complain blog again, but if it becomes one I am sorry. I decided not to write in my journal on days that I write a blog because really my resolution was about writing something thoughtful and personal everyday. The format doesn't really make a difference; and I find that typing things up becomes easier anyway. More metaphors are used, more anecdotes orated. My mind has been in hyper blog mode ever since I started so I keep a notepad of items to talk about. It's hilarious to be sitting in the passenger seat writing little shorthand notes to myself about a funny sight or the current song on the radio and see out of the corner of my eye, a head turned ever so slightly. At that point I feel the car drift to the right and look at my "lovely chauffeur" and the car miraculously straightens. Oh it just kills her that I take note of my life. muah ha ha. Anyway, I just wanted to say a few things about how I came about having enough inspiration/motivation to write this. I got into youtube about a year ago, following a few vloggers and such. Two people really inspired me; Kristina Horner, and HaleyGHoover. It wasn't until after camp this summer that I realized blogging might be a good creative outlet for me. So I want to thank two of the most amazing people, Laura C and Brittany H for inspiring me to keep at it. and let everything out.
Today I met my Great Great Aunt Claudia. I don't think I have ever met a great great aunt/uncle because I don't think any were alive when I was born. She was so nice and loving and I've never even seen her. It was a treat to talk with a great lady when I went into the visit glum and thinking about leaving and going back to bed. Then we went to the Spencer Transportation Museum. I love trains, which I guess I get from my Pop Pop. There's definitely something romantic about a sleek black locomotive. When we moved from WA to MD, my mother, twin and I took the train to DC. I remember vague snippets like seeing snow outside my window, being strapped into the bed, meeting a cartoonist in the car down from us, and lugging this beige trunk with the coolest gold latches. I took tons of pictures and we walked around in the 90 degree weather which I got crud about later. But I had fun. I also bought 3 postcards that I have the best of intentions to send, but you know, procrastination and all that jazz.

The train we rode:

Romanticism captured:

I really wanted this shirt:

(I especially like the kindhearted lady symbol which is a cat and the man with a gun being a triangle with antlers.)

and this bumper sticker:

(but I saved my money for the shopping on Main St I want to do.)

After that we came home. However in the car on the way, the funniest thing happened. Honky Tonk Badonkadonk by Trace Adkins came on the radio. I love country music no matter what people say about it and it's "twang". The twangier the better. But this song frustrated me for the longest time. Now I know all the words and can sing it. still think it's ridiculous but whatever. It has a lyric about slapping your grandma. I didn't want to change the station because I liked it so I was sitting there hearing it, occasionally flinching, silently laughing that I was in the car with my grandma. She didn't care. But then when one of the greatest songs comes on, she turns it off. Oh old people. Thank you for giving me a false sense of radio control. We ate amazing salads with turkey, cheese, honey mustard, tomatoes, broccoli, and romaine. Then we went to Aunt Emily's for Cheerwine Ice Cream! and Oreo Ice Cream and Sugar Cookies. I love her and her little kids so much. Savannah wanted me to read her fairytales so I did. I love to read out loud. We read 3 Little Pigs, Ugly Duckling, Little Red Riding Hood, The Flying Prince, Rumpelstiltskin, and The Dutch Farmboy. yay 30 minutes of straight character voices and animated dialogue. My throat hurts now, but I love that. Then we drove home under the most beautiful after rainstorm sky:

The wind was literally whistling today and it was splendid.
Serious question: Do you like my photos or do they clutter the posts? More writing less visuals?

When I came to North Carolina for my first reunion ever I used the hotel Marmalade jar as a place to store my own piece of the "red dirt road" I'd heard sung about in country songs. I still have that jar and it's dirt. This trip I have seen even redder dirt and I am thankful to the Lord that while I may not be getting my schoolwork done. gasp I am having the time of my life....despite wanting to pull my hair out at some points.

And everything should always end with a caboose:

Teenage Frustrations

I am completely exhausted. I don't think I have ever sat in a car for so long in the course of a week ever. As much as the seek option keeps me entertained, the crazy driving frustrates me and makes me want to pull out my hair. I mean really, we get lost, we don't call someone. Do the new age thing for once and let your "technologically advanced" granddaughter use the GPS. Please.... And if you are going to use your turn signal please turn it off otherwise I may likely reach over and do it for you one of these days. I guess as a "novice" driver, I am just more aware and confident in my skills. We would have been home hours earlier if half our time was not taken up braking to read the road signs that I was happily reading out loud. You want to know why they pass us? The speed limit is 70MPH, you are doing 50. I love that woman dearly, so don't think that her driving skills, or lack thereof will ever change that. But sometimes, ugh Rant over.

We left Susan's in Augusta and headed towards Columbia, SC to visit Uncle AJ and Aunt Carol, who has cancer. The first time I was ever around this family, they introduced me to AJ first. He said hello, learned my name, and then proceeded to respond, "Don't listen to a word this family says about me. All they tell are lies, lies, lies." I'll remember that forever. Someone. hem hem. made a wrong turn and we ended up on the other side of Columbia. Sitting in the entrance of a state office building with our flashers on, I was clenching the seat so hard. I told her we should park so of course she decided on the handicap spot. Then when prompted about the GPS she said no she'd call AJ. He was a hero and came to get us. We followed him back to his house. While there I got hooked on watching Hatching Pete with little cousin Justin and didn't get to finish it with 10 minutes left. That was a disappointment. Oh well.

Following Aunt Sheila's instructions we took the bypass around Charlotte to avoid traffic, and though I navigated correctly, she wouldn't listen, decided to take an unmarked exit, head back south (the wrong way) and instead made a u-turn and got back on the road we had just left. whew, thank you for confusing her u-turn or we would have been headed back to Georgia. Along the way we listened to plenty of Great Balls of Fire by JerryLee Lewis, One is the Loneliest Number by Aimee Mann, and Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns. Well, needless to say, we finally got home.

And when you see Jake Alexander, it's not long:

Provisions are holding out:

And seeing the blue roof means you're home again:

Walking in the door to an old friend with his cantaloupe is just right after a long drive:

In my travels I noted a few things.
-Well you all remember that old volkswagen beetle game? Punch buggy no punch back. I win at that game. It's my favorite. But lately no one will play along. So I punch them and get blank stares. Lately I have given up and silently say it in my head for nostalgia sake. Sometimes I punch the seat. So beware, if you ride in a car with me, I will punch you, but not too hard.
-Grandmothers make a lot of comments about the length, shine, or style of my hair. They compare it to other grandchildren, cousins, my mother, etc. It's basically really annoying to hear 4 times in a day that your hair is the same color as your cousins'. Also, waking up from a nap in the car and being told, "Why don't you brush your hair and make it all shiny?" is scarring. Thanks, but no thanks, I'll keep these 3 day old braids in if you don't mind quite too much.
-People keep commenting that I look skinnier. So maybe that PT paid off. But what, was I unattractively chunky before? Oh thanks for telling me. Really weight is just a number. I'm happy with my body most days. But if saying those things will make you buy me pretty dresses (Like the 5$ sundress at marshals I got to day) I'll walk around saying I just had gastric bypass surgery and be sure to get more freebies. People are shallow and I love clothes. Great.
-I love Winks BBQ because not only is it delicious and the best dang BBQ in Salisbury, they play the Christian radio station. Gotta love the Bible Belt.
-These post it's I bought at Tuesday Morning say on the back "Test before using on questionable paper. May leave a mark on some surfaces and lift correctable ink." Since when do post it notes have warnings? lol

I also left this comment on HaleyGHoover's blog today. I admire her a lot.

"Sam said...

Ren Faires are always my favorite thing to go to in October. Of course poor planning often results in my family rushing to make the last weekend, which is always the wettest muddiest sludge fest. But that's ok when there are pickles involved. My first time going we were walking along when a man in full medieval garb walked up shouting "Pickles on a stick, Pickles for sale. Vampire sale! Buy one get a free stake." We were hooked. My 45 year old father took to skip/running down the hill screaming, "I wanna pickle. pickle pickle pickle." He paid and the man gave him a skewer and said, "Stab the one you love." He turned and fake stabbed me. Thanks Haley for reminding me of great days like this and being an amazing writer."

Haha Vampire Sale. And that my friends is why I love the middle ages.

My mom thinks I should write down how I actually ended up here, so here:
I was literally only home from Basic Leadership Training (boot camp) for about 2 hours when we went to Friendly's for a welcome home dinner. My Granny came and mom suggested I go down with her to visit Uncle Harold. She was going anyway. I went home packed and we left at 8 the next morning. I'm not one to turn down traveling and I guess the rest is history and still to come.

Open Roads, Clouds above...

I have spent a lot of time in the car these past few weeks. My mileage is racking up. It was exciting to be the one driving when Granny's van hit 90,000 miles. We've had our chocolate hazelnut pirrouettes, trail mix, Cheerwine, and other goodies to keep us going, plus the greatest invention ever...radio seek button. This morning we set off for Augusta, GA from Salisbury, NC. The heat was intense but we had the air going and it was nice. Our soundtrack consisted of classic head bopping songs like this, life lesson power ballads like this, and funny but serious country tunes like that. It was amazing, the eclectic nature of our radio station choices was perfect for the road. We saw lots of different things like a field of sunflowers and a motorcyclist's passanger holding a chihuaha between them at 70 mph.

Lunch at Olive Garden with Aunt Susan and Lindsay was great fun. We were all so starving we scarfed down the salad and breadsticks with ravenous force. You know those Andes mint chocolates they always bring afterwards? She didn't give us any. :( so Aunt Susan was vibing her to bring some. Granny just flagged her down and asked. I say that when telekenisis fails, that's what mothers are for. We love our moms. So the waitress brought us a whole dang handful--about 15. yum.

Then we went shopping at Tuesday Morning. It was my first time having gone there and I loved it. Seriously it was stationary heaven. There were shelves and shelves of dollar stationary. omg. I bought a cute set of cards and a post it pad that says "My carb blocker is at war with my latte." Then we went to Ross and TJ Maxx. I got the CUTEST vest and shirt at TJ's. There were a lot of other ones I wanted but you know, that thing called money that I don't have. Granny bought me the vest and shirt. I love them.

Susan made the best dinner tonight. Now instead of reading her facebook statuses drooling all over my laptop at the description of her dinner, I got to experience it. Salmon and lentils, salad, bread with fig and strawberry jam, and fresh cut watermelon. MMMM the perfect summer feast. It is so nice to see my cousins Lindsay and Nick. I feel like when I was younger and new to the family, they didnt want anything to do with me. But now Lindsay and I can watch Ashley Tisdale movies together and laugh at the addictive stupidity of the plot. We can discuss books and movies and music and look each other in the eye when we talk. It's good to grow up. Granny always says, "We are a family of strong women." that statement at the same time annoys me to no end, and is true in its own different form for me. After dinner we took a long long night time walk with the dogs, Thunder and Lexi. It was muggy but nice. The crickets were chirping and the frogs were croaking and the night was pleasant. Tomorrow we drive to Columbia to visit Uncle AJ and Aunt Carol. Hopefully I can get behind the wheel for a bit.

Sunshine, this is what you missed. Can you count the 7 buckets of homemade ice cream? Peach, Banana Strawberry, Cheerwine, Mocha Chocolate, Oreo, Peach, Milky Way. Darn tooting finger licking splendid.

Home Economics and the Navy

I just got home from the wedding shower for my cousin Andy and his fiance Anne. The food was delectable, I looked nice, and everyone I'd never met before seemed generally pleased to see me. I decided to be as helpful as possible. I must have pushed twenty kids on the swingset before dinner and made uncomfortable conversation with all the relatives I couldn't put names to faces for. I worked my butt off and for once it made a difference and was appreciated. Aunt Jean said "When you get back up North they're all gonna think we were slave driving you." no pun intended. I responded; "They'll be only good stories, just so long as you don't tell my momma I like to clean and cook and decorate." That gave them a good chuckle. I used to think the proper thing to be was a feminist. You know...women dominate men, girl power and all. But my ideas have drastically changed as I have grown. I want the house with 4-7 children, the big yard and kitchen with dinner parties every week. I like cleaning and putting things in their place and rocking babies and cooking for more than 10. It's exciting. So why can't I have home ec. at DMA? :( Darn Military Academy, let me be the homemaker. More grandmother's and mothers should take the time out of their schedules to educate young girls on the simple keeping of a home, how to make a homemade cherry pie, or knit a scarf.
Rant over. Funny story. Enter Granny and Sam into Leda's house and Sam goes into her room while Granny sits at the kitchen table. Bobby Jo-the dog, is laying on the couch as usual. Sam hears from a distance: "Well what do you know it's poker on the television. Bobby Jo have you ever seen poker on the television." If you didn't picture this, that is sad and I have a keener sense of stupid jokes than you.
Some frustrations of the evening:
Grandparents that won't let you drive because it's dark and then go 35 in the 55 zone (I'm not exaggerating) and say things like "Wow these people behind me really do want to go 50." Well duh!
The idea that we can't stop for gas even if the teen girl is willing to pump it alone because "Women shouldn't be out alone in the dark. Too many crazy people." I mean really, the Citco might as well be its own little ray of sunshine....can you say fluorescent lighting?
All in all, I realize more and more that people are complex and that makes them all the more interesting. Thoughts?

123 and the Lists Grow On

I am sitting in the hospital right now...being placed in charge of watching my Great Uncle for a few hours. I am sitting here typing away on my laptop trying so hard not to be a typical careless teenager, as he watches the NASCAR race from his wheelchair. I love him and how he doesn't mind. But hospitals are only fun if you're the one being treated...the one everyone is trying to cure. Babysitting a grown man who doesn't need my watchful eye is depressing. The nurses put on their sweet, empathy masked smiles and run around acting like they care. But who could know with their attitudes. Are they good actors or have big hearts.
Earlier today I helped my Aunt Leda and Aunt Susie make homemade ice cream. You haven't lived until you come to Carolina and have ice cream at every gathering. It's a family affair. Fruit, pudding mix, 1/2 and 1/2, whole milk, ice cream salt in the mixer and voila' you have put Breyer's to shame. Today we made peach, banana, and mocha chocolate. Still my favorite ice cream flavor will forever be Cheerwine.
I feel like I am neglecting Uncle Harold right now but I don't know what to say or if I am bothering him. hmmm.
I was thinking about lists today per Laura. So here are some of the goals I wrote down in January for the front of my journal:
15. Play broom hockey.
26. Find where Jason threw my quarter (story for another day)
41. Buy a fedora and suspenders.
44. Sew my own calico dress.
47. Talk on the phone for over 2 hours.

7 out of 66 are crossed out for being done.

My momma said southern ladies wear sundresses to wedding showers- So Imma gonna.
Today I did a lot of holding Holden and singing with Savanna.
I miss a certain cousin and a certain best friend pen pal.
We had a fresh peach cut up into peach ice cream for after decorating dessert. It was scrumptious.
I've been thinking a lot lately about my new year's resolution to keep a journal. So far I've written every night that I could, but sometimes that isn't always a possibility (like now when my journal is in the other room where my grandmother has gone to bed.) So I question, is blogging sufficient? My grammie has Alzheimer's and that scares me. I guess I started writing as a way to remember things and look back on all the minuscule activities I had performed within the course of a day. But the entries I scribble in my grogginess are never flavorful or colorful, or even conclusive. So I wonder, what's the point? Well, I think I know now, for my own personal sanity I need the tangible writing, I just scurried into Granny's room and grabbed my floral journal, the binding is wearing thin, I am on page 118.
I am an observer, I like to watch other people and sometimes they take it as me daydreaming or dozing off but really I am thinking about their actions and how they correlate to their personalities and thoughts. My aunts keep telling me to be assertive and introduce myself. haha I have a growing family tree taking shape in my mind's eye and still I can't keep everyone straight. My southern twang is thickening but I still feel too much like a damn yankee. According to Josh my Northerliness is quite obvious.

I am painting my nails "Out of this World" silver and wearing a dress to the hospital. Life is glorious.

Simply Put

Your acknowledgement is pathetically my everything

A Room in the Country

Being pulled every which way by Great Aunts it's nice to discover the country love they have for me and the rooms they let me sleep in. Ancient quilts, favorite bedtime story characters revisited and adorable photos hanging on every available wall space. Not to mention being able to watch A Knight's Tale with your Great Uncle and eat Dominoes Extravagaza pizza. Bliss? I like to think so.

That Wintry Rule of Thumb

banana sno cones = jokes about eating yellow snow and pee.
Thoughts today: I'm not a picky person. I've learned that I love lots of different things and am not super particular on any front. Music, food, pasttimes. I could go for anything. Do you call that lack of personality or being culture shocked?
Tangerine by The Flaming Lips