sunshine by proxy

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February seems to be humming along in my little corner of #Belhaven in Jackson, Mississippi. We’ve had a week of rainy, overcast weather but these daffodils offer a shot of sunshine by proxy.

When I think of daffodils, I think blooms in April–right around Easter. But in central Mississippi, these perennials started blooming last week. What an early treat.

Daffodils, like tulips, stand so tall, brightly, and confidently. It’s hard not to totally love them. In various cultures, daffodils represent good fortune, hope, rebirth, and new beginnings. Wishing all good things to readers near and far on this 21st day of February.

that time i ate boiled crawfish at capitol auto body shop

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The title here is a bit misleading. I didn’t eat crawfish in an auto body shop, but did I try these shellfish at a client appreciation event in a tent area adjoining Capitol Auto Body Shop in Flowood, #Mississippi? You betcha. And gotta say, eating boiled crawfish is a messy business.

Crawfish boil Deep South

Source: Louisiana Sea Grant College Program via Flickr

Crawfish happen to be the state crustacean of Louisiana, and crawfish boils really get fired up in late February but also March and April. A proper crawfish boil involves a lot of crawfish, seasoning, onions, garlic, red potatoes, and ears of corn. To eat a crawfish, hold the head in one hand and the tail in the other hand. Twist and pull, peel off the shell layers, and you have the meat from the tail. You can also suck the juice from the head, but I skipped this part. Mike the Crawfish Peeling Machine offers an illustrated, step-by-step guide here. Bon temps!

cups espresso cafe

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In the Jackson metro area is a locally owned coffee roaster and espresso cafe–Cups. You can find Cups in Fondren, Flowood, and Madison. And as I’ve learned, in 20+ locations throughout Mississippi. If you’re a coffee lover, I would put Cups on your map, wherever you might be in the Magnolia State. The house blend is perfectly strong but not too acidic. It’s warm, rich, and, to use a wine expression, it has a great mouth feel.

My current go-to is the Americano with skim and some artificial sweetener. But if seasonal drinks are your thing, Cups does not disappoint. I might make it my mission to try each of these. Coffee goals.

Cups Espresso Cafe Jackson Mississippi

puzzling

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One of my closest friends gave me a Pomegranate 1,000 Art Piece Puzzle for Christmas, and putting all the pieces together is both frustrating, at least initially, and then tremendously satisfying as you get closer to completing it.

I attempted the tried-and-true approach of finding the border pieces first but that threw me off somewhat. So switched gears and completed the puzzle by design/color area of this Charley Harper artwork. I was surprised how long it took me to complete. If I had to guess, I would say at least 12 hours. Hoping the next one might go a bit quicker.

sentimental

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I’m not one to get too attached to stuff/things, but every now and then I do. And that now and then was yesterday when I asked my handyman to haul away two lovely chairs I bought years ago when I was in Chicago. Two chairs and a bulky console table that I never loved and won’t miss. But those chairs? Seeing them hauled away made me wistful, sentimental, and kind of teary sad. I suppose they remind me of the life I once had and that I currently lack. The days should get brighter soon, I’m thinking/hoping. And in the meantime I’ll focus on being positive and grateful for everything I do have, which is a lot and which includes two brand new chairs. (Not as wonderful as the older ones but they’ll do/I’ll do just fine.)

tis the season (krewe)

Kristen Short2 Comments

Krewe season has almost arrived and you might be wondering (if you’re not from the South), qu’est ce que Krewe? It’s a private social club of members who sponsor a parade and festivities as part of Mardi Gras. Krewes and Mardi Gras are a pretty big deal in Louisiana, our westerly neighbor.

Krewe Mardi Gras New Orleans Louisiana

Source: Miguel Discart via Flickr

Krewes have their own distinct histories and themes. There are well-known Krewes (think Krewe de Bacchus) but also less familiar ones who know how to throw a great party. In the case of the Merry Antoinettes, a subkrewe of Krewedelusion, these ladies–garbed in 18th century costume–like to throw cake. (Sounds a bit messy but love this.)

If you’re planning a visit to New Orleans to revel in all things Mardi Gras, you can learn about these different clubs here.

 

a vicksburg visit

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Vicksburg, Mississippi, is a shortish drive from Jackson–about 45 minutes due west on Interstate 20. It’s the seat of Warren County and although it’s primarily known for its role in the end of the Civil War, I prefer its architecture.

Found this home, okay, mansion, on Drummond Street.

Drummond Street Vicksburg Mississippi Deep South architecture

And then this beauty on Cherry Street.

Cherry Street Vicksburg Mississippi Deep South architecture

In the historic downtown area, there is the Mississippi River Commission headquarters building, which appears to have been constructed in the late 1800s.

Mississippi River Commission Vicksburg Mississippi Deep South architecture

There is also the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum. Vicksburg is where Coca-Cola was first bottled in 1894.

Biedenbarn Museum Vicksburg Mississippi Deep South