the weekend

Many of you know that I don't just dislike but HATE the cold. I would take 95 degree weather over the cold any day. While many complain in the heat of July and August, I do not as I know the alternative. So Friday was spent shooting a TV spot with a new client who turns out to be a lot of fun. Looking forward to more fun times with them. It was cooooollllld. 

Late Friday evening, my good friend Meredyth delivered her second beautiful child. She and Hal have a little boy, Owen, who is about as cute as they come. They chose not to find out what baby Earnest would be so how sweet it was to hear about Virginia Bennett entering the world about 45 minutes before her official arrival date. I went to visit Meredyth and Bennett yesterday. First, Meredyth did NOT look like she had just delivered a baby but Bennett was a beautiful, brand new baby. She was wide awake, alert and full of hope. As I held her, I thought about what she would turn out to be. Would she be a prissy little girl in ballet outfits or dress up clothes? Or covered in dirt while playing soccer or wanting to be the shadow of her big brother. It's always so humbling to me to hold a baby that new. Full of promise, with parents who have big dreams for that tiny soul. What a beautiful family. I can't wait to see what little Bennett turns out to be. 

Last night, I attended Alabama's Jr. Miss. For those of you who don't know, it's a scholarship program for senior girls in high school. I looked back in the program and think I have been going since 1987 and only have missed one or two years. My family was a host family for several years and I've just followed it since. It's often referred to as a pageant but it's hardly that. The 50-something girls are very smart, talented, poised, involved and represent their counties so well. Jefferson County won and was a wonderful choice. She will represent Alabama well in Mobile this summer at America's Jr. Miss. Not to mention banked some awesome scholarship money! 

Good luck to the Alabama cheerleaders who are competing tonight in National Cheerleading Championship. It's usually Kentucky's party and everyone else is invited but you never know. Bama's cheerleaders are incredibly athletic and talented so good luck to them. T-I-D-E ROLLL TIDE! 

Looking forward to a work week with some various projects and will make an appearance at St. James kindergarten open house Tuesday evening. No, not as a parent but as a distinguished alum. HA! Mom just suckered me into going but it will be fun as I know many parents searching for the right school. 

Then, off to a girls weekend at the Grand Hotel. Hello relaxation! 

The Best Way to Spend a Saturday

When you're sad college football is over is to go to the spa. Hands down. Or actually hands out. Mom had given me a generous gift certificate to my favorite spa in town, Amplify. It's a "new" Aveda salon about two minutes from the house in the A & P Lofts. It's so peaceful in there. I have been a customer at various salons in town but have finally found one I love. So many others they're yelling back and forth to each other, don't speak your language or selling random crap in the lobby and it looks like a flea market. Not at Amplify. 

I enjoyed a facial for over an hour and then a manicure and pedicure. NICE! Talk about feeling like a princess. I should have taken my new koozie I bought in Nashville that says, "my tiara is giving me a headache." I'm not really a princess but I do like my hair fixed, makeup on and some heels. Y'all know that. Does that make me a princess? If so, it's a princess that knows offsides or traveling. 

It's sad that college football is over but the Titans playing at 3:30 will help ease the pain. College basketball is also in full swing but it's not the same. Although not as bad now that conference play has started. I'm sure I'll be the CEO of the bracket pool again this year. Y'all be sure to plan on being in it. 

The house is fairly clean, sheets are clean, towels are in the wash, workout complete, spa services check so I'm kind of not sure what to do. Perhaps get back to Twilight that I put down a few weeks ago because I was so busy? Take a nap? No, Titans start soon. Make some chess squares? No, Allison wants me to video doing that and video quality I am not at the moment. Drink a beer? Maybe. But I had a good bit of that last night. Watch Duke put a whopping on Florida State? I guess. Chat with Gavin on FB chat? In progress.  Exciting times I know. Be jealous. 

The Paparazzi

On my 2nd and final week of vacation, I had a chance to see lots of special people and headed north to Nashville. My aunt, uncle and cousins live there and it's always been like a 2nd home to me. I had a lovely visit and even got to party some. I never want to leave their house so that was hard but back to reality. I also was able to see some old friends from college last night and they haven't changed a bit. 

Today was a special morning. A friend of mine, Jay Cooper, has been contemplating a call into the ministry and followed that call. He will start Divinity School at Candler/Emory in February. Jay and his wife Susan are members of our Sunday School class so we've had the privilege of getting to know them well although I've known Susan many years. Jay has been a leader in our class for years and although we will miss his talents in our class, our church as a whole will have the benefit of his knowledge and leadership over the next few years as he attends school and serves our church as an associate. 

This morning was his first service as an associate and I followed him around and took photos of this special day for he and his family to have. It was an honor to be up close (I'm sure he thought too close!) to document this day. Many of you have been in FUMC and know it's such a beautiful setting anyway and makes special times like these picture perfect. I felt like Jay's personal paparazzi and I'm sure those around me were tired of hearing the camera snap but I thought it was worth it for the family to have these shots for many years to come. His wife Susan, is a member of the choir. Which does not do that justice as she is attending U of A to get her masters in music. The girl can sing. Jay and Susan's daughter was an acolyte so it was a family affair! I have posted some of my favorites to Facebook so check them out. 

I so enjoy days like today in terms of photography. Many of you know it is a hobby of mine and I "fake it til I make it." I am no photography or camera expert but just try things until I get them right. I purchased my D200 in the spring and it's revived my hobby which I am so thankful for. My favorite times to shoot are things like today where it's just a favor, no pressure and you know the recipient will appreciate it. It's a win win. 

But watch out....the paparazzi might follow you!!!!