Skywatch Friday

This is the sunset over Natchez Trace. We do have some beautiful skies here in Mississippi.

Happy Friday everyone - I'm glad it's here! To see more skies from around the world, click here.

October Theme Day: Contrast

Here's my entry for the theme day. Unfortunately, I was short on time and ideas so I went through my archives and tried to fit something for the theme instead of going out and shooting something specific. In any case, I do think it shows contrast - there's light and shadows. The photo was taken at the Pi(e) Lounge inside Sal and Mookie's pizzaria.

To see more intrepretations of today's theme from around the world click here.

Die Miternaechters

Besides the food and drink, there was plenty of other entertainment at the Germanfest - including the (locally) famous Miternaechters. We enjoyed a few stanzas of the Chicken Polka - known to Germans as the Duck Dance. There were even a few authentic German folk songs, although my husband had a hard time understanding their "southern" accents (and I'm not talking about Bavaria here). It was a lot of fun though and I applaud the band for wearing real lederhosen. I don't need to hear the chicken polka for awhile though. Once per year, or less, is plenty for me.

Germanfest!

My husband and I finally made it to the Germanfest this year. The past two years, it has been the same weekend as the Viking Classic (the PGAs only stop in Mississippi) so we chose golf over beer and bratwurst. But I'm really glad we went this year.

It was not a large festival and I think my husband was probably the only authentic German there, but people seemed to be having a great time. Bales of hay were provided as seating, but some others brought their own chairs. This guy is obviously a Deutschophile - I just had to get a sly picture of him with his flag and the hat with all the real Oktoberfest flare.

Check back tomorrow for another look at Germanfest.

Lemuria

Lemuria Books is Jackson's one locally-owned bookshop. It's a nice place to shop for something different or special. It's also in the same building as Broadstreet Bakery - a place I've been hanging out at quite frequently before rehearsals because they make great cappuccinos and brownies. I'll have to get a picture of the barista over there sometime.

Our show opens this Friday. I must admit I'm feeling a bit nervous, but I think we're going to be fine. And it really is a great show and will give audiences something to think about afterwards.

Hummingbird

Before I got the squirrel-proof feeder, I had a wooden feeder which I painted red. I noticed it often attracted hummingbirds (they like the bright color) but they were always disappointed to find that it wasn't really a source of food.

A few weeks ago I decided to test my luck with these tiny feathered friends and I bought a feeder and set up the camera and everything. I see them buzzing around the place constantly now, but it's been difficult to get a good shot of them because they move so fast - by the time the camera registers their presence, they're gone. Anyhow, I did finally catch one the other day and I think it's a pretty good photo. I present you with my ruby-throated backyard friend.

Skywatch Friday

At least something good has come out of all the rain we've had lately! This rainbow was a real beauty, fully stretched out over the horizon.


Happy Friday everyone! I hope you enjoy the weekend - I know I will. To see other skies from around the world, click on the skywatch link.

More Food...

I've never eaten at the China Belle, but the sign is pretty neat. My photo doesn't really do it justice, I should probably try to get a night shot so you can see the flashing fish.

This week has been really busy with work and my show. I am definitely looking forward to Friday!

Night Angel

We rehearsed a few nights at Broadmeadow Methodist church last week. I got there a bit early and wandered around before heading inside. I found this angel inside the courtyard and I thought it made a nice night shot.

Home Cooking

My husband surprised me this weekend with a wonderful dinner of fresh gulf shrimp and some delicious pasta.

The Shape of Things

To continue on my theater theme, this is the publicity photo we've released for the upcoming show. I really like the effect that they used on it. These are the two "main" characters Evelyn and Adam - although it's really an ensemble cast.

Here's the official description of the show: "After a chance meeting in a museum, Evelyn, a sexy, aggressive artist, and Adam, a shy, insecure student, become embroiled in an intense affair. Before long, it veers into the kind of dangerous, seductive territory that LaBute does best, as Adam, under Evelyn's steady influence, goes to unimaginable lengths to improve his appearance and character. Only in the final and shocking exhibitiion, which challenges our most deeply entrenched ideas about art and love, does Evelyn reveal her true intentions."

If anyone in the Jackson area is interested in coming to see it, performances will be held October 2 - 4 at 7.30pm in the Hewes Room at New Stage in Belhaven. It's going to be good!

Gutenberg!

I had never heard of Gutenberg, the Musical before New Stage put it on their current season line-up. My husband and I are going to see it next Saturday, but I've already heard that it's delightfully funny.

Gutenberg is the season opener for the Main Stage series. This year I decided to purchase season tickets, I figure if there's a show I can't see one of my friends will surely be happy to take the extras off my hands.

Yellow Bicycle

I've been spending a lot of time at New Stage with the show coming up. I caught this bike out in front the other day. I like the bright yellow, it somehow seems to fit.

Here's wishing you a happy weekend!

Every Little Swallow...

My squirrel-proof feeder is still keeping the long-tailed rodents away. I'm very impressed with it and also am saving a lot on bird feed!

This Carolina chickadee is a frequent visitor, but for some reason he doesn't usually end up in my pictures (or at least not in the good ones). So I was very pleased to get this shot of him. His song is always a welcome wake-up call in the morning. Pretty soon I'll even be able to sleep with the windows open again so I'll really hear his song in all it's glory.

Sculpture

This piece is being displayed outside the Cedars Home in Fondren right now. I'm not really too fond of the sculpture itself, but I like the way it was in the shadow and the light was hitting the leaves of the bushes to the left. I did find a website for the artist, if you'd like to know more about Richard McKey, click here.

Frozen Margaritas!

Recently my husband and I have started going to Papito's, a Mexican restaurant not far from our home (and golf course). They have weekend specials on giant margaritas and their food is quite good too!

Mississippi Symphony Orchestra

Photos were not really allowed inside the hall, but I figured since this was after the performance, it was okay. We were in the lower balcony, the view was excellent and the acoustics in the hall are also very good.

The main reason we went was for the Mahler song, but all of the music was great! Click here to see the evening's full program.

Thalia Mara Hall

My husband and I went to see the season opener of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra this weekend. The MSO plays in the Thalia Mara Hall downtown. The space is also used by Ballet Mississippi and touring groups. We had never been before - both the space and the orchestra were wonderful!

The concert was followed by a reception celebrating the orchestra's 65th season. We're already planning to purchase tickets to another show in March.

Skywatch Friday

Today's skywatch photo comes to you from Lake Providence, Louisiana. This beautiful lake is right on the northeastern corner of Louisiana - not far from the Arkansas and Mississippi borders. We passed through on our way back from Oklahoma City this weekend and stopped to have dinner at The Dock - which is apparently a favorite with both tourists and the locals.

Happy Friday everyone! To check out other skies around the world, click on the skywatch link.

Mr Barista II

Simon is a barista at the Cups in the French Quarter. He makes a mean cappuccino with nice foamy milk, just like I like it. I invited him to stop by my blog sometime, hopefully he will!

Cups...

Last week I auditioned for two different shows in Jackson, one Fondren Theatre Workshop and the other with New Stage. I have a tradition of stopping in at Cups to get myself energized before trying out. Funnily enough, I got offered parts in both plays, but I'll only be able to do the one with New Stage. It's called The Shape of Things and I'm very excited!

This particular Cups was new to me. It's located in a small shopping center called The French Quarter. I'll introduce you to my fab barista tomorrow.

Stop in, Sit Awhile...

I found this bench on the campus of Mississippi College (or MC as the locals call it). It does not actually look like a very comfortable place to sit, but I do like the theater masks. I wonder if these are re-purposed pews from the church.

To Eat or Not to Eat

I'm still having a great time with my wingscapes camera. I can't believe how expressive birds can be. This little house finch seems quite pensive.

At Home

This is another house on the golf course that I like the looks of. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to stay occupied for very long. It was for sale, then a family moved in, and now it's for sale again. I hope it finds new owners soon because it looks like a fabulous place to live.

Skywatch Friday

This is simply a stunning sunset taken from the driveway of my home.

Happy Friday everyone! To see other skies from around the world, click on the skywatch link.

Sophia's

Sophia's restaurant is part of the Fairview Inn, however it is open to local diners as well! The food is delicious and the staff will attend to your every need.

I'm going to be out of town this weekend, but I'm putting my blog on automatic posting. Happy Labor Day everyone! Hope you all have a great long weekend.

Fairview Inn Part II

This is a close-up view on the columns in front of the Fairview Inn in Belhaven. I do love that southern style!

Confidential to my brother - happy birthday!!!

September Theme Day: Big!

I admit, I came up short with this month's theme day. For the life of me, I just could not get inspired for big. I hope you'll enjoy this big rose from my garden. It's a Chicago Peace.

To see more interpretations of big from cities around the world, click here.

Mississippi College

As of last week I'm officially a student at Mississippi College. I'm taking one class this semester to improve my German. Let's hope it works!

I am still stuck on what to post for tomorrow's theme day. I actually voted for big (for once, my choice was the winner), but now I'm not sure what to do. Hopefully some inspiration will come.

New birdfeeder

I finally got my new squirrel-proof birdfeeder installed. So far it's working great! The metal cage is on springs, so if a squirrel (or heavy bird) gets on there it pulls down and closes the openings to the food. I hope that it will continue to fool the buggers.

I love this little house finch coming in for a landing. It looks like he's floating in mid-air.