This moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Happy Friday!

Joining Amanda Soule - Feel free to join in and share a link to your moment.

Amazed

Have we talked about my younger son lately? He goes about his life in a rather unassuming way. Because of this, people miss so much.

The kid is crazy funny...one day he said that peanut butter and jelly was a better love story than Twilight. Ha!  He can be a bit of a smart ass. Sorry for those who are bit sensitive about the language, but there is no better way...he is my child after all.

But the thing that amazes and awes me about this child is his quiet talent. You've already heard him...I live with that. He wonders around the house singing all the time. I'm going to miss it when he leaves for school, because I've realized that I take it for granted.

The other thing he can do is draw. He's always done it...scribbling on whatever he can get his hands on...always doodling.

Boy have those doddles gotten better...

He does this stuff, brings home an "A" in art class, but doesn't bring home the work. What?!? See, quiet talent. It's one of the many things I love about him. He's very talented. He accepts this. He doesn't brag about it and does not have any false modesty about it. In his words, "It is what it is, Mom." In my not so humble opinion, it's amazing

My Home Town

I don't think I've really talked much about my little home town.  I live in a place called Jamestown...in North Carolina, not Virginia.  It was settled in 1752 and is all off 2.7 square miles, in between the two larger and more well known cities of Greensboro and High Point.  I have spent the majority of my life here...with a brief stay in Greensboro while I attended UNCG.  This town is my home and has so many wonderful little gems.

One is our public library. It started out as THE school for the area in the early 1900s.  As things happen, needs change, new buildings were built and at one point, back in the 1980s, there was talk about tearing the building down.  Here's what's so cool.  The citizens of Jamestown, most of whom attended this school at some point in their lives, basically said "over my dead body."  Funds were raised, the School Board transferred ownership to the the Town and renovations began.

Source - The Jamestown Library Page on Facebook.

Here are the results.  Gorgeous, yes? While I attended another local elementary school, my family still has history with this school.  My step-father attended this school and his fourth grade (? I think it's fourth) teacher was my second cousin, Miss Chadwick.

Susan, the Soap Lady is on the left and Renee is on the right

Another wonderful spot is my friend Susan's store - The Soap Lady.  This store is such a wonderful place, but I know so much of it has to do with the incredible lady that runs it.  I swear that Susan has NEVER met a stranger, has one of the biggest, most generous hearts out there, but she doesn't suffer fools or bullies - which in my book makes her a winner. She makes the most amazing soaps and lotions and sells various gift items that are all locally made. And on the last Wednesday night of the month, her store is crammed pack with all the local ladies taking a night off for girls' night. We all bring food and wine and enjoy a nice visit, either hanging out in the store or sitting out on the porch in rocking chairs. 

See that other lady in the picture with Susan? She was one of my sixth grade teachers.  I hadn't seen her in years and there she was at girls' night one night.  I thought she looked so familiar, but back when she was my teacher, she was fresh out of college and unmarried, so the names didn't match up...at first.  She was so cool and I know inspired some of my hippie tendencies.  Now, I'm just fortunate to call her friend.

This is town is the type of place where, when  you're in a store buying your favorite soap, one of the hairdressers from the "The Beauty Parlor" (yes, that is the name) next door walks in and tells Susan that her hair is being done "tomorrow at 1:00" because Susan has to look her best - she's being honored at a luncheon on Friday by the Sedgefield Garden Club. We aren't quite Mayberry, but we aren't far off either.

Source

Now let's talk food....there is possibly one of the best restaurants in the whole Piedmont Triad area right in the middle of Town.  Southern Roots....even the name is perfect. But let's get back to the food....the Billy Bob is probably a little bit of heaven.  It is...and I quote from the menu..."grilled gouda pimento cheese, applewood smoked bacon, fried green tomatoes on sourdough bread."  YUM! That happens to be one of my particular favorites, but there is definitely something for everyone. Oh! The sauteed okra is awesome. When the weather is nice, on the weekends, you will typically find the back patio full of people enjoying the evening and live music provided by the various bands.

The Counter at TurnTable

But I think one of my other favorite places in town is TurnTable. This place is a coffee shop/music venue in an old two story house on Main Street owned by the cutest couple, John and Renee. During the day, you'll see various people in and out...getting coffee, sitting on one of the many sofas while reading or catching up on some work. I spent this last Saturday there with Renee, teaching her how to knit in between pauses while she waited on her patrons.

At night TurnTable becomes this really cool, quirky music venue. John and Renee have acts come in from all over the country. On a wall in the back hallway, they all leave their mark - a note, signature - just a little something to let you know who was there. Wednesday is Open Mic Night. Usually, when I hear this term I get a little wary, but no need. I went this past Wednesday and was so incredibly impressed...Here's a little something for your listening pleasure.....

Aren't they great?  They are Hayden Cooke and Lee Coltrane and are just a small example of the talent that was there that night. They were only able to do three songs, but I could have listened to them all night.

I hope you've enjoyed this brief glimpse into why I stay in this "spot on the road."  One day, I do hope to have a farm in the North Carolina mountains, but this town will always have a place in my heart.  I probably had the most idyllic childhood here, growing up surrounded by people who knew me....or my Sainted Mother.  I was Nancy and Jim's girl, you know Tina's little sister.  Some people still know me that way.  I'm good with that.

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Happy Friday!

Inspired by Amanda Soule - Feel free to join in and share a link to your moment....better late than never!

Getting Blocked

Well finally!  It seems like forever since I've been here and it was only Friday.  I have been busy though.  My back is just about back to normal so I spent the weekend with blocking wires and pins.  Take a look ladies because I seriously doubt that I'll update Ravelry cause I'm a lazy  one.  The fact that I've gotten this far is amazing.

This lovely item is Nimbus.  I love, Love, LOVE the shape of this thing.  My sister says it looks very "Batman."  I have to agree.  I'm  going to have to re-block this puppy.  I steam block most everything and with some items, well, they just need a good old fashion wet block.  I believe this is one.  Once I took the pins an wires out, it drew up....a lot. The yarn is Crazyfoot by Mountain Colors in Red Willow.

This is the Age of Brass and Steam Kerchief.  I did a couple of extra repeats....I think it's just a couple.  I think this yarn was made for this thing - wish I could remember what it is.  The stripes are so great.

Summer Flies is another shawl that I think I'm going to have to re-block.  This yarn, Interlacement Seeds - Chairman of the Board Colorway, doesn't have a lot of give to it, so steaming didn't offer up enough give.

And finally, Saroyan. Can I stress how happy this yarn makes me?  This is my own personal happy rainbow. I smile every time I look at it.  The yarn is JoJoLand Melody Superwash and it is so incredibly soft and springy.

Number One Son is back at college.  I miss him.  I don't know if his brother does, but I also miss their laughter and the general noise....now if I could just get my house back in order before Car Guy gets back from Sweden.  It's amazing how the presence of one more person creates more...mess, activity and general disorder.  It's also amazing how quickly you get used to them being back.  I don't know that I'll ever get used to him being gone.

Tonight I think I'm going to rent this and watch it with Number Two Son.  I've already seen it and *Oh My - Gasp* it's amazing.  Believe it or not, the kiddo has read the book and wants to watch this with his old Mama.  He's discovered this new love of reading (YEA!!!!) and is now reading Angels and Demons. No light reading for that child.  He likes to make that brain work.  Would you believe he's in an after school bridge club...they play other games as well, but I think it's great that he's learning all these games and the art of conversation that goes along with it.  I see a beach trip full of fun and games this summer!

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Happy Friday!

Inspired by Amanda Soule - Feel free to join in and share a link to your moment.

Stranger Than Fiction

This is one of my favorite pictures of my boys.  It was taken a long time ago when they liked each other and would play sweetly together. Then something happened. The older one decided it would be fun to pester the little one...a lot. I mean A LOT, as in way too much. As in drive their mother insane. As they got older, it got worse.  It also became more physical. There were times that it got so bad that I would step in between the two of them and pray that neither one of them would swing.  That my presence was enough to calm them down. And thank goodness it worked.  I never got the accidental black eye by stepping into the path of flying adolescent fists...whew.  But it always really bothered me the way they only tolerated each other.  My sister is one of my best friends.  I love and miss her terribly, particularly since she lives on the other side of the country.  But those two, not so much.

Then the oldest went off to college.  The house got a lot quieter.  Some of the silence was good and some of it was not so good.  I have missed him, but I didn't miss the fighting and the snarky comments that the two would exchange.

While at school, the oldest started having girlfriend problems. You know, the usual...fighting, breaking up, getting back together. He found support in the most unlikely place - his little brother. Then my youngest recorded that song and posted it to youtube.  His brother saw it. And he posted it on his facebook page. And he tweeted it to all his friends and was proud of his little brother. And they started talking.  Not fighting, but really talking...or rather texting and tweeting. They found out that they had some things in common and that maybe they weren't as obnoxious as they thought they were. Then the oldest came home for spring break....and has been hanging out with his little brother. And instead of yelling, I hear laughter and a friendship emerging....like they might, dare I say it, like each other?!?!

Yes, there are some things in life that truly are stranger than fiction.  I know, I've seen it....and it makes me the happiest mama ever.

Weekends Past

Thank you so much for your sweet concern!  I must admit that it made me feel very special.  I am slowly getting back into the swing of everything but I hate to say that it takes me a little longer to do so these days.

Our weekend was rather quiet partially due to my back and partially because we spent six hours in the car driving to Greenville and back to bring Number One Son home for spring break. Then yesterday, Car Guy flew out on one of his trips to see the world.  He's in Chile this week and totally bummed that he's not at home with me and the boys.  He really hates missing this time with both of our boys home.

Since everything was so quiet, I'll tell you about the goings on from the weekend before....just a little late :)

We got up last Saturday, jumped in the car and headed to the small town of Dobson.  And when I say small, I mean small. According to Wikipedia the area of Dobson is 1.86 square miles. Yup, it's tiny.  One of the attractions is the Rockford General Store. We check it out and bought some penny candy that no longer cost a penny and were able to see a bit of a reenactment of the "War of Northern Aggression."  For you none Southerners, that would be the Civil War. And no, I'm not going into a political or educational discussion of said war. It was just interesting to watch.

This is one of the camps.  The people actually stayed there over night and cooked their meals over the campfires.  Everything was fairly authentic....until you saw someone pull out their cell phone.

There was quite a bit of gun play and when one of those Yankee soldiers was shot down in battle, the crowd would cheer.  It was pretty cold, so we didn't stay too long.  I mean, come on....we know how it ended.

We hopped back into the car and decided to see what else was around the area, particularly in the way of food and we came across Cody Creek and the Depot Restaurant. This was totally dumb luck, which turned out to be good luck because the food was simple but delicious.

The location itself is gorgeous.  There is a beautiful chapel, covered bridge and event location.  There are also cabins available. And let's face it, any place that has sheep is good with me.

The next day, we took off to Raffaldini's Winery with my friend Sue. The winery is just gorgeous and the wine is pretty tasty too.

Of course it didn't hurt Car Guy's feelings to be escorting two women around. We had  a wonderful time and I would recommend going on a clear day so that you can enjoy the patio.  The view is absolutely spectacular.

It was wonderful weekend and then Monday rolled around and I somehow managed to screw up my back.  That was the worst part of this injury.  I still haven't figured out I did it.  But enough about that.  I'm doing much better.  It's amazing what a person will do to get out of blocking...ahem.

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Happy Friday!

Inspired by Amanda Soule - Feel free to join in and share a link to your moment.

Adding a little blurb here to say sorry for being absent this week.  I'm afraid that I pulled my back some how earlier in the week, so I have been out of commission.  One shot, some meds and a bit of physical therapy and I'm almost back to my old self....This aging thing is for the birds though.  How can one cause that much pain to themselves and not know how they did it? Hope everyone is doing well!

My Baby....

So I wanted to take a moment and show off my baby....he's the one singing. If you can't tell, I'm extremely proud of him.

Thank goodness he doesn't take after his mama....I haven't found a bucket yet to carry my tune in (ahem).  Enjoy and I'll be back soon with the other recent "going ons."

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Happy Friday!

Inspired by Amanda Soule - Feel free to join in and share a link to your moment.