Living on Love

I had a really fun interview today. I'm working on a story about couples at different stages of marriage for a Valentine's story. It's so fun to hear the story of how people met and fell in love. Today I went to an elderly couple's home to do an interview. They are a widow and widower that met and fell in love in their eighties. After only a month of "courting," they made the leap into marriage. She made me some banana bread and tea for me and I settled in to listen to them gush about each other. The.sweetest.thing.ever. Ever. I can't imagine losing my Nathan, as both of them lost their spouses after 50 and 60 years of marriage. But, to see them so happy together is just heartwarming.

Sometimes I think the story of how I met my husband and how he proposed, etc. is so boring when you hear these really amazing stories. But, I must say, we have such a wonderful marriage. Maybe the start was ho-hum, but it just keeps getting better. I love to see others in love because I just know how they feel. It's pretty stinking great.

I promise the mushiness will stop after Valentine's Day (well, maybe.).

Productivity...

It feels so good.

I've had a busy day (in addition to the busy week and a half preceding). Days like today make me so thankful for being able to do what I love. I spent the morning bustling around the metro area talking to interesting people for various stories. We have a wealth of intriguing people oozing with Southern hospitality here. Like this lady:

You'll have to pick up the February issue of Madison County Magazine to see who this creative, eclectic lady is.

Anyway, in addition to a busy, busy, week, our weekend was busy too (self-inflicted of course). Besides, the Saints game, (yeah, yeah, who dat?, yaddayadda, I could care less about football, but I am glad to see a Southern team in the Super Bowl and my husband happy), we embarked on another project - the girls' room. It's not complete, so I'll only show you bits and pieces before the big reveal.

Project Wonderland Entry #1:

We painted...
Here's the room color before:

(this is my RyBug and two of her friends)

Blah. Fine for my living room, but not nearly special enough for my babies. So here's what we covered it up with.

It's "Window Pane" by Behr. I'm not much for pink, but my oldest daughter is, so this is a compromise. The blue tones down the pink that's everywhere else.

Also, I found this adorable ribbon (Hobby Lobby, what would I do without you?) and grabbed two of the letters that used to be in baby girl's name on her nursery wall (and happen to be the first letter of the girls' names) and made up these contraptions...

Not sure yet if this is where they'll stay, but we'll see. I still have lots to do. I have to find something for the walls and learn how to sew so that I can make bedskirts and curtains. Also, my oldest is dying for a chandelier, so a search has ensued. As soon as I have the time (and the budget allows), I'll get right on that. It's so fun though, I can't wait for the big reveal!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Happy Birthday to America

Better late than never, right?


We kicked off the Fourth of July weekend with celebratory pancakes courtesy of Daddy. I even let them eat them while they watched Dora Saves the Mermaids.



We spent the majority of the day at the swimming pool and then cooked out with the neighbors before heading back to the pool for night time swimming and fireworks. The late night resulted in the invevitable terrible two tantrum when we were trying to leave for church the next morning. Welcome to my world...

And that was after I got her dressed. Getting her shoes and hairbow in was nothing short of Divine Intervention. Trust me.

But this makes it all worth it:

I haven't posted much of my writing lately, mainly because of negligence. This month's Portico Jackson magazine featured a story I wrote on the Mustard Seed in Flowood. I've always heard so many amazing things about this place, but had never had the opportunity to visit. My friend Mandy works there and was such a help with the story and arranging a tour.

I hate to say that the Mustard Seed is a "facility" for mentally challenged adults, because it is so much more than that. It's a community, a home, a refuge, and so much more. If you live in the Jackson area, I urge you to find out more about this awesome place. When I was doing the tour, I told the executive director that I had never felt so good about myself as I did walking through those doors, simply because I got so many hugs and the "seedsters" were just so excited that I was there to visit with them.

After my tour, I got an email from Mandy that said - "We drew names at Christmas. Jerry loves High School Musical, especially Troy Bolton! So when Megan drew Jerry's name, she knew the perfect gift. My favorite part isn't Jerry's reaction, it is how genuinely happy everyone else is for him." She sent this YouTube link. Check it out for a taste of the Mustard Seed.

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Fourth!

Bill Daves

So apparently I'm on a tear posting today. That's weird.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down and interview Bill Daves and his daughter Diana. Mr. Daves is a 84 year old practicing pharmacist in Byram and such a delight. He is the most polite, gracious man with an incredible story. Check it out here.

I swear I'm done for the day...

Pumped!

So today I opened my mailbox and was so happy to find the current issue of Mississippi Magazine, along with the annual Home & Gardens supplement. On the cover of the supplement was a picture of the home of Emily & John Decker. I wrote the story on the Deckers' home and the total renovation that made it as gorgeous as it is today. Goal: Get a story in Mississippi Magazine, check!

Pick up a copy!

Madison County Magazine

Since its first issue in December I've been writing for Madison County Magazine and it really has been a lot of fun. I have met so many interesting people from around the Jackson area. This month, I wrote a story on the Martinson family. Billy Martinson started Green Oak Nursery in Jackson and Garden Works in Ridgeland. He was so much fun to interview and their family is so interesting. The cover shot is of Billy's son Allen and his wife Mimi, who now own Garden Works.

I love having been able to see this magazine improve with each issue and am having so much fun with this group of people. So if you see a copy, pick it up! You can read this issue online here.

Magdalena Grace Roberts

One of the coolest parts of writing is that I get to meet so many wonderful people. Although I really enjoy all the stories I write, occasionally I'll meet someone who makes a huge impact.

This week I was working on a story about the March of Dimes and I had the pleasure of meeting (over the phone) Julie and Noah Roberts. The Roberts' daughter Magdalena Grace was born with Trisomy 18, a chromosomal defect where most babies don't make it to full term, and if they do, less than ten percent live to see their first birthday. In January, at 167 days old, Magdalena passed away, leaving her parents of course heartbroken, but determined to keep her memory alive. After hearing this story, I can tell you this little girl was so special and has touched my heart beyond belief. And I didn't even get to meet her!

As mother to two sweet baby girls, I cannot imagine what Noah and Julie are going through. Despite the heartbreak, these two have the most amazing, joyful spirit. Where most would be asking why she had to leave them so soon, they are thanking God for the time they had with their daughter and praising Him for this blessing. Oh, to be more like them. They truly see God in everything around them, even the loss of their precious little girl. Please join me in praying for this family. I'm sure it doesn't get any easier as time passes. Pray that God continues to give them peace and pray that Magdalena's story continues to point people toward Jesus as it already has for so many.

The Roberts have also organized a team, Magdalena's Feet, for the March of Dimes' March for Babies walk, which will take place in May. Check out the Roberts' blog to find out more and to read Magdalena's story. I promise you will be blessed by this sweet family.

Ronald McDonald House

If you aren't already a subscriber, pick up the February issue of Portico. This month, the Giving Tree section features my story on Jackson's Ronald McDonald House. Honestly, I didn't know much about what the RMH did until I started doing research for this story. They house families who have seriously ill children and have to travel to Jackson for medical care. Basically, they serve as a home away from home so that parents don't have to sleep in the hospital waiting room. I can't imagine being faced with that situation. Some of the stories I heard were so touching and the way the RMH is helping these families is so commendable. Go get a copy!

The Subway Lounge

This month Delta Magazine ran a story I wrote on the Subway Lounge that used to be in the basement of the old Summers Hotel in Jackson. This story was so much fun to write because we all know how much I love Mississippi culture and the Subway was the epitome of pure Mississippi music and as I found out, holds a special place in the hearts of so many people in our state. I interviewed the owner, Jimmy King, and had so much fun listening to the memories he had to share. I had the pleasure of spending more than a few nights there before the doors closed a few years ago and I must say, it was like nothing I had ever seen. Such a fun place.

Now, on Saturday nights, Schimmels restaurant in Jackson transforms from upscale dining to a very "Subwayesque" atmosphere and you can hear the sounds of the Houserockers, the Subway's former house band.

So pick up a copy if you see one. I know Barnes & Nobles in Ridgeland sells them. The magazine itself is really great too!

The Mustard Seed

The Rankin Ledger just ran my story on the Mustard Seed in Flowood. Stop by and pick up one of their ornaments or ceramics as Christmas gifts to benefit a good cause.

Thanksgiving in Clinton...

I had the pleasure of visiting Brittany Brown's 1st grade class at Clinton Park Elementary to write this story. The kids were so much fun and had lots to say about Thanksgiving. Thanks to Sandi for all your help!

Wingard Home & Mac's Cove

If you've been reading my blog for any amount of time, you know about the Wingard Home and how special it has become to me. Fortunately, I'm not alone. Natasha McLaurin, a local fashion designer recently read about the Wingard Home in the Rankin Ledger and is now hosting her first annual Mac's Cove Wingard Home Ministry Benefit Show this Saturday at Mynelle Gardens. She's a very talented designer who not only has a passion for fashion, but a passion for keeping it here in Mississippi, which you know I love...

Read my story on the show here.

Pam Nail

I had the pleasure of interviewing Pam Nail, Mrs. World 88 and Jackson resident, for this story that ran in the Northeast Ledger. She was a victim of abuse as a child and has strived to help others in her shoes and she was also a real pleasure.

Clinton's 4Cs

The Clinton News ran a story in today's paper about the 4Cs, a non-profit that has been thriving in the Clinton community for years. I remember visiting their thrift store, which helps fund their food services, while in college at MC.

They are doing great work, especially for the often overlooked elderly population.

I'm stoked

The October issue of Portico Jackson magazine is on newstands now, featuring my story on Operation Shoestring. OS is an incredible organization working to help keep our inner-city kids in school. They are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year and the story of how the organization was started is really interesting.

Also, Portico is a really polished and sleek magazine focusing on the Jackson metro area. I have fallen in love with the magazine and the fact that they show that there are good things happening here. Go pick up the October issue or heck, get a subscription. Visit their web site http://www.porticojackson.com/.

Pilates & Fitness

So my previous post about the Pilates studio was for this story in Parents and Kids' October issue. Until March, when we moved homes and cancelled our gym membership, I went to Pilates and Yoga classes a couple of times a week. I've never been much of the strength training type, so this was great for me. It really is such an energizing, unique type of exercise. It's enjoyable and actually feels good, unlike some of the other types I've tried. Hopefully soon I'll get back into the swing of things and get my exercise routine in gear.



Also in this issue is a story I wrote on Beginner Fitness and another on Family Fitness.

Mississippi Children's Home Services

Tuesday night I had the pleasure of attending one of Mississippi Children's Home Services' birthday parties for the resident kids. I recently wrote an article on their new campus that is being built. MCHS reaches out to kids who have psychiatric and behavioral problems and helps transition them back into a normal school and home environment.

Just being around these kids made me realize how the majority of us have no idea what's going on all around us. I am so blessed to have been brought up in a home where my parents took care of and supported me. It sure made me realize how stupid most of my so-called problems are. These are kids that are just hungry for someone to care and they are kids who can't help what situations they were born into or brought into. It was such a relief to see how the staff and volunteers of MCHS reach out and nurture these kids. Thank God for people like these. Visit www.mchscares.org to learn more about their work.

Wingard Home

Today's Clinton News and Hinds Ledger featured my story on the Wingard Home, which I wrote about in a previous post. Great people doing great things. Read my story here.

Baptist Health Center Cancer Ride

Baptist Hospital's Hederman Cancer Center will sponsor a bike ride on September 20 to benefit the center's Serenity Garden, a place for cancer patients and their families to escape while at the facility. Read my article in the Clinton News.

CARA Animal Shelter

Today's Clinton News features an article I wrote on Mississippi's largest no-kill animal shelter, Community Animal Rescue and Adoption. I didn't know much about CARA until I did research for the article, but I soon found out what a labor of love this place is. They are constantly struggling financially, so help them if you can! They take donations of dog food and other products as well as monetary donations.

See my article here.

Also, the annual Backyard Brawl between my alma mater, Mississippi College, and Millsaps College will benefit CARA. Read about the game here.