Courage

This weekend/week my cousins are in town from Atlanta. My cousin Dell told me about several cases of a bacteria in Georgia that had taken several limbs and other parts of three people! I was horrified and had to know what this flesh-eating bacteria was and how it was spreading. I immediately sent my friend Anna a text. Anna is an expert on all things bacteria and science related (at least I think so!). She responded within seconds letting me know what it was and that I was not in danger! Such a great friend! She also sent me a link to an NPR article with more in-depth information so I could read about it. After reading the article I learned a lot more than just about the bacteria. I got a glimpse of what it means to be courageous.

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Aimee Copeland, 24, was zip-lining with friends over Little Tallapoosa River. The zip line broke and she fell cutting her leg open. She has developed necrotizing fasciitis. Her leg, other foot and both hands have been amputated. When she was told that the doctors needed to perform the amputations in order to save her life she only responded with "Let's do this." Her father stated in the article that she "shed no tears, she never batted an eyelash".

The article ends with:

Her father said he left the room with tears in his eyes.

"I wasn't crying because Aimee was going to lose her hands and foot, I was crying because, in all my 53 years of existence, I have never seen such a strong display of courage," Copeland said.

Unfortunately, I can not say that I would have reacted the same way Aimee did when she was faced with all of the amputations. Of course, you never know how you will react until you are put in a specific situation. I pray that I am never faced with this horrific tragedy but if I am, I pray that I react with such courage and hope as Aimee has. She is a great inspiration.

Her father has been keeping a blog since the accident. You can read it here. Also, you can donate financially if you wish on the site.

{books} An Object of Beauty

  

To be honest when I purchased this book on Amazon I had no clue the author was the same Steve Martin actor. I actually didn't figure out this tidbit until after I was 2 or 3 chapters in. I happened to flip to the back cover and saw his picture and was shocked. I had no clue he wrote books!

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Daniel Franks is the narrator of the story. He is an old friend of Lacey's. The entire book is about Lacey Yeager. Lacey moved to New York from Atlanta. The story follows her journey through the art world. She works for a couple of art galleries before eventually opening her own gallery. Lacey is involved with a couple of art scandals and investigations.

The book includes 22 pieces of art. Martin intertwined each of the art pieces into the story plot very well.

For me this book was a slow read. I enjoyed learning about the ins and outs of the art business. I also really enjoyed the art prints throughout the book and getting a little background on the various artists. I could never really get into the story though.

Overall I would give this book 3 out of a 5 star rating.

According to comingsoon.net Amy Adams will be playing Lacey in the upcoming movie. I am looking forward to the movie version of this book. I hope it will be able to keep my attention more than the book.

Have you ever read An Object of Beauty? If so, what did you think about it?

Memorial Day Week/Weekend

I somehow managed to be off work from last Wednesday at 1:00pm until Today. I had nothing planned for the 5 day weekend. So I just relaxed and had fun!

I made a turkey and veggie wrap to enjoy by the pool.

 

Mimosas and books by the pool.

Chicken Fajita bowls for dinner.

Unfortunately, I got a little burnt. Not at all what I was going for!

Watched a few tutorials on using my camera. I have been using my SLR for awhile I just haven't taken the time to learn all the things I can do with it yet.

Found SPF 110 at Walmart.Didn't even know it went this high!

Received a $5 gift card from Starbucks in the mail encouraging me to reach the Gold Card status. Of course my Mom and I immediately went to Starbucks and spent it.

After Starbucks we went to Barnes and Noble where I had another gift card to thanks to one of my sweet friends. I bought these books.



Then I went home and added them to my to-read stack.



Gardening is becoming one of my new favorite hobbies. Gardening, as in pots on my patio garden.

Soon-to-be Chives

Soon-to-be Bachelor Buttons

My tomato seeds have actually grown lots!

So have my cayenne and jalapeno seeds!

Lots of painting was done (my other favorite thing to do)

Of course more laying by the pool.

I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend and took some time to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom!

Shamrock Rose and Thistle

Trey and I have been to Shamrock Rose and Thistle tea room once before on a Saturday afternoon. It was so good I had been dying to go again and try something different. We went a couple of Sundays ago. It was packed but we were seated immediately. 

It wasn’t long after we got our drinks they brought us complimentary cheese biscuits to snack on while our food was being prepared.

 

We waited for an hour or so before we got our food. A lady, possibly one of the owners, came to our table and apologized for the long wait on our food.

I ordered the Trio Salad and chose the fruit salad, potato salad and chicken salad. They were all really really good.

I do not get upset when a mistake is made if the restaurant is nice about it. Everyone makes mistakes it is all in the way the situation is handled that makes the difference. The food was great. Our ticket reflected the mistake as well which I was not expecting but greatly appreciated them taking an extra step to make their customers happy. I will definitely be going back again. Just maybe not when I have to get on the road back to Tuscaloosa.

Have you ever had a not so great experience at a restaurant you normally enjoy? How was it handled by the staff/owner?

The Mediterranean Sandwich Co.

Trey and I had been wanting to try out The Mediterranean Sandwich Co. for a while. It did not disappoint.

I ordered the The Chicken Shawarma - roasted chicken served on a warm pita with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and Tzatziki sauce. Delicious flavor!

 

 

For dessert we went to an old favorite of mine, Baskin Robbins. We don’t have one anymore in Tuscaloosa. I love their Daiquiri Ice. I hadn't had it since middle school. It was just as I remembered it!

Antiquing

Papillon is an antique shop in downtown Mobile. It is one of my favorites in Mobile. They have lots of really cool things every time we go.

Mary Parker Antiques – 8,000 sq. ft. of antiques. Everything from furniture to books. Mary’s located at 418 Dauphine Island Parkway, Mobile, Alabama. Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 – 5:30 Sunday 1- 5.

Courtyard Antiques – 455 Dauphine Island Parkway, Mobile, Alabama. Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11 – 5

Another one of my favorites is the Cotton City Antique Mall. This antique mall had so many different things. We spent the most time at this shop. I even bought a gift for my best friend who is getting married soon. Trey spotted it and as soon as he showed it to me I knew it was perfect! Can’t share though I want it to be a surprise for her! Cotton City is located at 2012 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, Alabama. Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 – 5:30 Sunday 1 – 5:30

There are a ton of other antique shops in Mobile we didn’t have time to even visit half of them!

Do you like going to antique shops?

Strolling in Downtown Mobile

Saturday Trey and I woke up pretty early and headed downtown to the Market on the Square. This past Saturday they had both produce and art. We walked around downtown for several hours.

I love this theater! The owner is the only person ever working. He sells the tickets and concessions and then goes in the back and plays the movie. If you want any additional drinks or popcorn you go to the concessions and write on a napkin what you get. After the movie he comes to the front and you pay for whatever you took. I think it is awesome he uses the honor system. It adds to the quaintness. Also, the front row is made of huge leather recliners. I totally slept through the only movie I have watched here.

Bienville Square was covered in squirrels!

I was a little scared of all of the squirrels. I was bit by a squirrel when I was younger. Therefore, my fears are justified!