why, hello spring!

Hello, Spring!

I don’t know about you, but I COME ALIVE during Spring time. I mean, I’m always “alive” but my spirit really soars when the weather gets a little warmer, the flowers start to bloom, the smell of honeysuckle tickles my nose—the way it stays light later, the breeze, the smell of fresh cut grass and cook-outs. MAN ALIVE—I LOVE IT!

I always fall in love during spring time. And I mean, not just with a guy (although there is usually one involved—at least one, I might add)…I fall in love with everything. Kind of like Valentine’s Day all over again!

And today was no exception.

The first day of Spring was utterly amazing and fantastic for me.

and to think it fell on a Monday!

I woke up with an over-whelming feeling of how awesome it is to be alive. To be alive and loving life. Wow. Words can not really express the state of my soul and spirit today because it was just completely other-wordly.

I went to school with an unusual skip in my step.

I went to the grocery store, came home, unloaded groceries and got a call from one of my favorite people—Malcolm. We walked down the street to eat at Basil’s in Belhaven.

We sat outside and enjoyed our salads. We laughed and talked and laughed some more.

Then we walked down the way to Belhaven University to see the Student Art Exhibit—seeing as it was the last day to view the show and my dear and beloved, Lydia Gamble, had a piece in there—I definitely had to see it.

I was absolutely amazed! It was a WONDERFUL show! Such talent very much quality work. I also loved visiting with my old friend Bob Pennebaker. Bob and I go way back from the time I was a student there and I just love him to death. He’s a rare man and I am so glad Belhaven has him!

 Check out a few of the pieces below! 

This one is Lydia's. 

We visited with the painting class—who was, of course, painting outside on this glorious day!

After our walk I went for a jog about the neighborhood.

I really can’t express how happy I am to be back in Belhaven! I just love it here. It truly feels like I am “home”. I am so comfortable in my skin and with my life. It’s a good feeling.

I listened to music and left my doors open to let the breeze come in.

I went to yoga and had my ass kicked but boy did it feel good! It feels good today to be passionate about life and to be able to fully participate in life; To be fully present and engaged in the moment.

I hope that each of you had a marvelous first day of Spring.

As you can tell, I certainly did;)

Here’s to a full week of Spring Time Bliss!

PARADE!

Today was a big day!

and it’s not even over yet!

Today was the 29^th annual Mal’s St. Paddy’s Day Parade here in the Capitol City.

It has become a legendary event here in Jackson-- bringing over 60,000 people in for this one event. WOW. and yes, my dear friend, Malcolm White, is the Mal in the parade. I kind of feel like a big shot just for being his friend. ha! 

Can you say GREEN?!?! The entire view from anywhere you looked was green. And the most fabulous and funky green I might add.

I found this to be the perfect time to pull out my shades that my mom got me for Christmas. If you don’t remember the shades, click here.

This was my first year to fully participate in the Parade.

I got to join my dear friends and neighbors, Rachel and Seth Misenar and their two kiddos, Jude and Hazel, and what a TREAT it was!

Rachel and I got up at the crack of dawn and ran in the 5k! I hadn’t run a 5K in about 7 years and somehow, we both ran exceptionally well! I finished with a time of 26:00 even and Rachel finished with her new personal best, 26:30! Way to go, Rach! I was so proud of us!

After we showered and cleaned up, we headed back down town to join the festivities.

I ran into to a very dear friend, Lee Slayton, and his girlfriend, Krilecia Gianakos, AND Lindsey Renee Brown from Meridian!

 

If you can't tell from the pictures, Hazel is my new bestie! Followed closely by Rachel however;)


I can't tell you how amazing it is to be back in close proximity and close in spirit to Rachel and Seth. They are dear friends of mine who go way back and I know it is not by accident that i moved right around the corner from them and their precious family. Rachel is a kindred spirit and has a heart bigger than anybody. Our spirits have always resonated and I am just so grateful and blessed to have her in my life. I can tell this is just the start of a long chapter with them. Rachel is an extremely talented artist and blogger! Check out her blog here! 


Thank you Misenar Family for letting me be apart of your family for the day. I had a BLAST at the parade!


Well done, Malcolm and crew! You guys sure know how to throw a parade! 


and my festivities aren't even over yet. I am headed on a date with the lovely, Jessica Criddle, to see Another Year at the Art House Cinema Downtown at The Plantarium! More on that in another blog I'm sure.


Happy Wonderful Weekend, Friends! I hope yours was filled with as much love, fun, bliss, and happiness as mine!