Nest egg update

Hatched!

I wanted to get a photo of the little buggers while they were being hungry open mouths, but I really need to just leave them be, so their mum or dad won't ditch them.  

Feel good.

Save the date!

click to enlarge. haven't you figured that out yet?

-----

I envy those who write with reckless abandon.  They pen their stories & musings, seemingly, without worry of judgment or consequence.  Hell, even with judgment and consequence, they continue to write.  

I hold back.  I totally hold back.  I know my audience, they are friends and family.  

I am not always cheerful and positive.  I can get boorish, angry, and mean.  Unpolished.  Uneducated.  I actually disagree with my friends (and family, natch) on a number of big issues and matters of little import.  I usually don't say anything.  I don't want to come off as rude, confrontational, argumentative, contrary, or just plain holy.    No, no, I say nothing and try to be an agreeable good girl.  Tolerate and be tolerated.  Middle ground.  Safe.

-----

Just one of those days.

Baby pay no rent cuz yuzza yuzza spent!

Friday night, we drove down to Hot Springs to hear Surf City perform @ Valley of the Vapors.  They were SO GOOD that when we returned home that night, I checked to see where they were playing next.  Memphis.  Perfect.  Despite my being completely exhausted and already have spent my paycheck allowance, we convinced ourselves that it would not only be totally bitchin' to go see them play again, but that this is a BRILLIANT idea and "I'm young!" and "What Я consequences?"

We called Zach and Matt to see if they wanted to join us. Yes.  Then the lot of us piled into the Hyundai and we drove to Memphis.  It felt good to be on the road, still tired from the previous night.  I was (am) still dizzy from illness and medication and I didn't care!  Because, man, I need to live, right?!

Surf City are excellent live.  Well, specifically, their sound is really good live.  They aren't showmen and they had nothing to say, which is fine, I appreciate those who don't have to say something always.  I really enjoyed them in Hot Springs, but they came off as real sour grapes in Memphis.  Reasons unknown, but they were not keen on the Memphis crowd [as a Little Rocker, this is understandable], which stings because, hey, we were front and center.  They did bang out another good set and that was that.  We tried chatting up one of the guitarists and he was polite, but a kind of emptiness came over me.  And then I was annoyed.  Because the band after them, Bare Wires, totally spanked them with their California funness.  I just don't know what to do about bands that are great, but are slightly vampiric and have Kiwi accents.

In Hot Springs:

In Memphis:

Is this even the same band?

If you get a chance to see Surf City, do it, it is worth it, just don't expect to be charmed.  If you get a chance to see Bare Wires, do!  They are one helluva three-piece and they caught me off-guard and helped me feel not so crazy for driving to Memphis to watch a band I really like be total babies.

I mean, I can be totally misjudging them.  It was just one of the fellas, too, that was being an ass.  

-----

Looks like we will be traveling to Cortez, Colorado sooner than later to visit an aunt whom we haven't seen in years and would love to reignite the relationship.  She and my uncle have provided me with some of my best teenage memories by letting me work on their ranch during the summers and I am so sorry that we've lost touch over the years.  I really want ATM to know her and to experience Colorado, so we're going to make the trek.  I want to complain about money woes, but what good would that do?  We will get there.  Watch me squeeze even more blood from a sugar cube.

Let England Shake, but I can use a rest.

I feel well enough to sit up and bang out a few words.  I've been down since last Thursday night with a sinus infection.  Thankfully, the vertigo is easing up, but I still get hella dizzy & nauseated, walking into walls when I believe I'm going straight.  So, I'm on antibiotics and something I call 'hell in pill-form'.  This shit (pardon) will not let me sleep!  I've been awake since 2:30 a.m.  In short, it's been a restless, dizzying nightmare with no end in sight.  I figured I'd take a PM pain med this evening, but all of the directions expressly warn not to take it with hell in pill-form, so I'm about to drink ungodly amounts of chamomile tea and hope for the best.

Despite how miserable I feel, it hasn't been all bad.  I finally got out a mirror to check out the nest some birds built on our front porch light.  I figured I'd remove it if there were no eggs, but...

Six of them, hey!  Very spring!  Very cute!  When they are hatched, we will have to keep a very close eye on Lil Wolfman Jack (Hot Dog) and make sure he doesn't killeat them.  




 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 So, if I had to decide the best music of 2011 thus far, then Wild Flag & PJ Harvey's Let England Shake would take top honors.

Last Monday night's show was not only very cherry, but refreshing, too.  The confidence & intelligence the women of Wild Flag exude is something I'm starved for.  It acts as a cornerstone for their extreme ability to rock your face off.  And they did.  They did.  I went to work the next morning partially deaf and upbeat.

They all wore pants!  It's valuable to me in that they weren't trying to come off as sexy sexual sexed up sexxxx kittens.  But, by default, what with their confidence, intelligence & rockin good choons, they came off as very sensual.  What an important band this is!  Check them out, please!

And getting back to Polly Jean Harvey, she has been consistently weird, artistic amazing from the moment I've ever known her -- 50 Ft. Queenie!  Let England Shake is a very worthy album and if you need convincing, check out her Y0utube offerings.  Watch them all.  They're beautifully made, the latest one filmed by Seamus Murphy.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This Friday, we are going to Valley of the Vapors in Hot Springs to go see Surf City.  Better grab some ear plugs.  While I was ill, I compiled a list of things I'd like to do if I ever felt better, because, at one point, I wasn't sure I'd ever.  I'd like to go on a walk, eat ice cream, wear earrings and other adornments, and wash my car.   Plan a camping trip.  Shoot my BB gun.  I still feel way off.  I'm dizzy and I don't sleep well.  I'll deal, one thing at a time.



C L I C K A L L P H O T O S T O E N L A R G E

March 2011 TOP TEN

Ides of March Eve Edition!

I'm steppin' out tonight.  This is kind of a big deal.  

!. Going to see WILD FLAG.  They've got a reputation that precedes them.  I've read the rave 160-character hashtagged reviews, I've watched the videos on y0utube, and listened to their single mp3.  I believe this is the show I've been waiting for for a long while!  Apparently, you need to stand on Mary Timony's side of the stage if you want to see some behind-the-head guitar noodling.  MEET ME THERE.

2.  Little Rock Half Marathon.  Look, I'm not the sporty type, which makes it that more amazing that I signed up for it and completed the course.  Our team raised more money for Heifer International than we hoped!  I'd do it again.


3.  Going to Memphis with KMHD.

We paid for just the atmosphere @ Arcade Restaurant.  Their breakfast is shite, but there is one thing on the menu that makes the visit worth it.  Sweet potato pancakes.  My goodness.

4.  Everything is in bloom! (Despite this horrible, gloomy weather.)

5.  This:





6.  FINALLY finding the Mummies 'Stronger Than Dirt' on vinyl.





7.  New color wheel necklace!

8.  These paintings:

9.  Starf*cker's 'Julius'.  Cringe-worthy band name, great song:



10.  I'm just going to go ahead and gush over Twitter.  It's very much like Magic Eye: you can do it with ease or you can't at all, there's no in between.  It's like customizing your ideal news & entertainment feed and it's constantly evolving, too.  Also, I get how people would see 140 characters as confining, BUT, I prefer that one makes a point in as little words as possible, please.  Real time, real talk.  #amdown

NIPPON

KMHD and I identify ourselves, at times, as culturally Japanese.  Our stepmother, from Yokosuka, Kanagawa, raised us when we were small children through most of our teenage years.  I have an extended family there.  One of my closest friends is from there.  Even though I've never been to Japan, I feel a tremendous connection with her.  My heart just aches for  her people who are suffering greatly right now.


Please, I beg you, make a donation to Doctors Without Borders to aide in their quest to help those in immediate need.


You can also text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to send $10 for relief efforts in Nippon.  Domo-Arigato.



by James White



by Rob Dobi



by The Living Conspiracy




Also, there's no harm in making your own earthquake preparedness kit.   Be prepared, be diligent!

13.1

(((HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ATM!)))

The last three miles seemed impossible, half of my body doesn't function properly, and I now have an affinity for sports drink, but I'd do LR Half Marathon again.  In all, it was a fun, moving, and inspiring experience.  Most importantly, we raised more than the projected goal for Heifer International!  Win! Win! Win! Win!


My favorite observations: 

Seeing ATM & Robert at Mile 8, bundled up, cold, sipping on coffee from a thermos, and cheering us on.  I witnessed spectators setting up comfort stations along the course for walkers and runners; they played music and offered words of encouragement.  When we passed Vino's, I looked over and saw friends wildly banging on the window and waving excitedly.  Leigh, with her long legs, was always a few-to-a-dozen paces in front of me.  She totally could've gone ahead, but she kept looking back to check on me.  We stuck together as a team!  When we neared the finish, we decided to jog the very last bit, a strong finish.  It was amazing.  Aaaand, we got medals!


 


I've concluded that she is my adventure femme, since we've thus far gotten tattoos together and now a (half) marathon.  Frankly, I'm curious and looking forward to our next adventure, whatever it is.


My sole complaint for the marathon is this:  there needs to be better bands and DJs along the course, especially if mp3 players are discouraged.  Wow, it was something awful.  If the songs weren't being butchered, the tempo was too slow.  We needed some ragin' choons, not covers of "Family Traditions" and "With or Without You."  Ugh, gag.


Here's Leigh w/ her mum.  Gwyn walked 6 miles with us:



Today, I am sore and swollen.  Even my face!  My goal is to putter around the house, putting things away, but KEEP MOVING.  Ibuprofen.  Epsom salt soak.  And figure out what my next big goal is.  There is no feeling like marking off a big one off the list.

I am taking a long walk tomorrow.

Doing the half marathon tomorrow to raise funds for Heifer International.  If you haven't yet & are able, will you please donate some $$$ to my team?  Say...a dollar a mile? That's only $13! Hey!  Obrigado!


I'm quite prepared to do this.  Fanny pack?  Check!  Protein bars? Check! Anti-chafing lubricant and medicated talcum powder?  Yes ma'am!  Shit-eating grin accompanied by an "I can't believe I'm doing this" expression?  You got it!


I joked with ATM that I may need to take his recording device with me should I have some hallucinatory delusional revelations.  "Mile 9...I've come up with an excellent concept for a sitcom..."  

Go Team Heifer!

Oh, you guys!  I'm totally participating in the Little Rock (half) Marathon this Sunday for a good cause.

Can you please kick in a few dollars?  I will make you proud!  

Gratitude.

Nuttin' honey!

I'm taking occasional breaks from writing restaurant review updates and am completely avoiding work on the local vegetarian guide because it got complicated.  People are very passionate about their diet and have a lot to say about it.  I get it.  But, now I have to glean essential information from this pile.  

Last week was exhausting.  My woes were completely work-related.  In addition to working in a highly volatile environment (Pulaski Co. Courthouse), I had to deal with an erratic, demanding boss, do some office spring cleaning, and plan for a co-worker's retirement party.  There simply wasn't enough time to do all that was demanded of me, and some of it didn't get done, but thanks to my workmate, I managed.  I had some perfectly timed niceties sprinkled throughout, thankfully.  For instance, attorney Bobby Price brought me some raw honey from his bee hives.  I immediately ran into the kitchenette and procured a spoon to eat it straight from the jar.  Of course it was the best I've ever had.  I let the others have a taste and then greedily stowed it away in my bag to take home.  

ATM and I tried white asparagus for the first time this week, too.  I prepared them in browned butter with bread crumbs.  It wasn't really different from the green varieties as far as taste goes, but I have a quasi-sentimental attachment to them.  John Mark gave me Hotel Bemelmans by Ludwig Bemelmans a couple of years ago; I really liked it, but one passage really stuck with me:

'I don't know what to choose,' said the Professor.

     Fritzl announced to the Professor and me that we were his guests.  He put the big menus away and called the proprietor and explained to him that we wanted a good dinner.  We wanted some caviar, some truites au bleu, and a poularde rotie, with some compote.

     'Ah, yes, but certainly,' said the proprietor, 'but the price, mein Herr?'

     "The price,' Fritzl continued, 'usually appears on the bill at the end of the meal.

     'After the poularde,' Fritzl continued, 'we want some asparagus with hollandaise.'

     Now the proprietor clasped his hands together hard, and let them remain in the position of prayer.  Asparagus, he said, a thousand apologies, asparagus he had not, he could not afford to keep it.

     Fritzl complained about the kind of restaurant he was running.  The man looked stupid, hopeless, and embarrassed, and I told him he could send someone to Dallmeyer's, Munich's de luxe delicatessen store which is located close to the Feldherrnhalle, and ask for the best they had; large, fat, white Belgian asparagus - enough for three people.

     The proprietor almost kicked the piccolo through the door, to hurry him to Dallmeyer's shop.  In the meantime we ate the caviar, very small portions of it.

     Professor Hellsang sat between us, silent and uncomfortable.  He looked into the wineglasses as they were filled and then he moistened the tip of a finger and with it picked up bread crumbs that lay about his butter plate.  He wolfed his food down and nibbled clean every bone of the poularde, holding a leg in his hands.  When the asparagus came, we each had six stalks, nice and white and large, with excellent hollandaise of just the right consistency.  The Herr Professor ate one, then one more, and after a while a third.

     Suddenly he paused and looked around.  Fritzl looked at me.  Now, I thought, the time is ripe.  Fritzl leaned across the table and said, 'Herr Professor -- He repeated, 'Oh -- Herr Professor,' and reached to touch him.  But Professor Hellsang did not hear him.

     The Herr Professor tried to catch the eye of the waiter; then he asked to be excused.  He walked into the kitchen entrance, and as he took two steps up to the service door, I saw that the Herr Professor had holes in his socks, and a disorderly pair of trousers with frayed cuffs.  Fritzl looked after him and said to me, 'My God, this cannot be - look at Professor Hellsang, a German professor, with holes in his socks and torn trousers.'

     The Professor had disappeared into the kitchen.  Presently he returned with a piece of wrapping paper.  He sat down at the table and his eyes were on his three remaining asparagus stalks.  He took them one after another, and carefully wrapped them up in the paper he had brought.  Then he tucked them away inside his coat.

     At last he said, talking down to the table, without raising his eyes, in a toneless voice and with much clearing of his throat, "This asparagus is for my wife.'...He said too that neither Frau Professor Hellsang nor he had had asparagus since before the war, or for that matter coffee or tea...that this little gift would make his return from Munich a double joy...that she would be so grateful to us for having made it possible.

     We ordered coffee and cigars.  Out of his waistcoat pocket the Professor produced a pair of scissors and offered to clip the ends of our cigars.  He smoked his very slowly, and we sat and waited until it was time for his train to Regensburg.

Of course, it is impossible for me to understand what it is like to be without.  But, for a lot of people in the world, past and present, something simple like asparagus represents normalcy and peace time.  I try to remember this every damn day.  Running water, food, and no one knocking down the front door.  

-s-e-g-u-e-w-a-y------

O.K., I'm going to ask you, dear reader, to use your imagination and creativity when viewing the following photos.  You see, KMHD and I found our ideal location in Hot Springs for our motel.  

The idea is to start small to ensure quality and specialness:

The parking area is overgrown, which is good because we have grand ideas for a lovely courtyard/green space.

Yeah, man!  We've got our work cut out for us!  Our first order of business is to find out who owns this and what their legal (tax) status is.  Say what you will, but I think this is progress.  KMHD & I are just ecstatic, but with reservations.  If we can find the owner, convince them that we are willing to take this off of their hands, we will need to bring someone (Probably Zach.  Sorry, Zach!) to accompany us to look at it and see if it's worth it.

-----

I'm trying to get the house in order today because I will be too busy next week getting ready for the marathon.  I won't have time to clean or cook, so I'm trying to make some headway today.  That includes blogging and writing.  

I'll wrap up here by posting a recipe from my friend Amy's blog.  I implore you to make this vegetarian chili and do not omit a single ingredient!  The only thing I changed was that I added more cayenne.  It's the only chili that doesn't make me feel horrible after ingesting.  Seriously, chilis of yore made me violently ill.

Graham's (delicious) Dirty Hippie Vegetarian Chili from LocalEyes blog.

And finally, an email from my boss, in it's entirety, regarding our throwing our co-worker a retirement party on his dime.  I'm "AL":

You guys really worked hard on the party and its success far exceeded my expectations.  The food quantity estimate was pretty close and, Anne, you were right about the sweets, they were the biggest food hit.  AL, you may have been in on that but Anne was the one ragging me.  It doesn't matter, you were both great.  I mean, running the vacuum before and after.  Now that I start thinking  about it, maybe you're both  a little daft.  Anyway, congratulate yourselves.  It was a tremendous success and it goes without saying that if had been in charge of what the two  of you accomplished, it just wouldn't have been done.  

Sincere thanks, and remember, 

Uncle Collins wants you on his team.

Blessed be the Lord.

Good morning!

Does a band even exist if you are not around to hear them?

  LR Cream, track 2 by fear_ants

  

☺

It's Saturday night and I'm at home working up a post for FEAR ANTS.  Very exciting, I know.  I've done a lot today & I just can't produce any energy to go out and be sociable, grand, and live! live! live! every second of the damn day/night.


Today, Zach came over to help ATM work on the building out back of the house.  I just asked ATM if it was a shed.  It's technically not a garage and it's not really a shop of any kind.  I told the guys that we should give it an official name like The Victor Whitney Wiley Memorial...Shed?  Anyway, they did more work on it.  The more they do, the more exciting and real it becomes.  We're gonna add some more usable space to our little homestead. The rumors floating around here is that there will be a ping pong table in it.  And possibly a dart board!


All of the ghastly wood paneling has been removed:



Murray?  Present.



There are some switch and outlet plates that I'm going to clean and repaint.  They're cute, a little art-deco.  (There's a good chance that I have no idea what art-deco is.)



Believe it or not, this is progress:






Checking the gas line.  It works!



As of right now, there's not much I can do to assist with the shed fixin'.  I can do little things like "hold this" and "pass me that"; I can totally whip up some break time drinks and meals, no problem.  I believe the next step is clean-up and that's something I can totally help with.


While they worked on the shed, I took some ordinary tins and spray painted them for...well, I don't have a reason.  But, now they are colorful ordinary tins.  I suppose I could put flowers in them.









Hanging out with ATM and Zach is totally inspiring.  We've been conspiring.  The next big thing will be another Tofu Happening, but this time, we will have it at the Victory St. space.  There'll be more room, so we can invite more people.  I'm already getting "Can I come?" on ye olde Tw1tter feed.  It's always nice to have someone anticipate any event you are puttin' on.  Details forthcoming.


What else?  Right.  Two weeks until the marathon.  I need to get some walking done everyday to build up my leg strength.  I looked at the 1/2 marathon course -- totally doable!  I still get a little nervous every time my mind turns to it, but I know I'll pull through.  I recently learned that you can't rock an mp3 player during the race which is a little disheartening as I like listening to music all of the time, but maybe I can make some conversation with Leigh and other fellow racers.  


In other good news, everyone got their wish for warmer weather!  The hyacinth bulbs I planted are peeping up!  The camellias are blooming!  It's time for annual rebirth!  Windows open, the drapes fluttering in the breeze.  Blankets of pollen.  Dreams of going to the races and camping.  It's time!


So, for many months, ATM has been going to the Victory St. space and playing music with Zach and Kyle.  For as many months, they've been under the radar & real hush hush about it.  I recently got to hear their recording -- it's going to be a (N) Little Rock classic!  I'm working to get my hands on it so I can leak it here.  I know, that's a silly idea, but I thought it would be humorous to leak a song or two on a tiny blog that only a handful of people look at.  Keep your eyes out for LR Cream!

Planned Parenthood, Pt. II

The bill to defund Planned Parenthood passed overwhelmingly in the House today, 240-185.  This is a plea for you, fellow Arkansans, to get on the horn to the Senators.


Again, your pleas may fall on deaf ears, but do it anyway.  Let fellow supporters have the understanding that they are not alone.

(sigh) Sen. Boozman:

DC Phone:	202-224-4843
DC Fax:	202-228-1371
Email Address:	http://boozman.senate.gov/contact_form.cfm
WWW Homepage:	http://boozman.senate.gov
Twitter:	@JohnBoozman

Sen. Pryor

DC Phone:	202-224-2353
DC Fax:	202-228-0908
Email Address:	http://pryor.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=ContactForm
WWW Homepage:	http://pryor.senate.gov/public/

Essentially, the Teahadists/GOP want to cut funding to everything you like/love/appreciate.  Programs like NPR, PBS, Planned Parenthood... but not NASCAR. (<---Read that, it's so outrageous!)  So, everything "liberal" or "Democratic", it's on the chopping block.   Get on the phone you sonsofbitches!  I’m totally yelling at ya’ll.

I Want The World To Stop

This only makes me all day-dreamy about my future trip to Glasgow.

Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood was the only way I could afford women's health services in my 20s.  Even though I am better off financially, I still go to PP for my health care; I couldn't just toss 'em to the wind once I didn't need them anymore.    I go for my annuals, to get screened for cancer (a must, as it runs in my family), learn about sexual health, and for breast examinations.  There are still a lot of women (and men) who need access to this kind of health care and I will absolutely vouch for them.

Please contact Rep. Tim Griffin and throw your support behind PP and petition him to not cut funds for Planned Parenthood.  He (and others) have got so much on the budget chopping block -- remind him that  though he may not need these services, a multitude of people do.

Thanks.

Easy:  (501) 324-5941

Easier:  https://griffin.house.gov/contact-me/email-me

Easiest:   http://twitter.com/#!/RepTimGriffin

Frankly, I really hate that he is our "representative".  I'm afraid my pleas will fall on deaf ears, but I'm doing it anyway, so they'll have some numbers showing that someone in Arkansas gives a damn about women's health.

Sonrisa!

Hey, how were your snow days?  Mine were ideal.  I don't mind snow.  I found myself often staring out the window at the winter scape forming outside.  Falling snow is calming.  Daydream Nation.

Day I, whiteout:

Day II, evil icicles:

Got to do tons of reading, some writing (not blogging, but the paying kind!),  baking, cooking.

It's a little frightening how comfortable I am staying at home for days, without want.

But, then again, maybe it all cleared away before I could even begin going mad.  Friends & expats in Fayetteville & NYC, with their endless barrage of snowfall, sound crazed.  May the sun shine on their sidewalks and faces NOW.

This past Saturday, ATM & I met his mum & step dad in Memphis to catch up & hang out.  I haven't seen them since I don't even know when.  It was a fine day!   Blue, clear skies and the sun took the bite out of the air.  We met up at Fuel Cafe, a restaurant we've never tried, but were attracted to by the amount of vegan/vegetarian items on the menu.  While the food wasn't "out of this world", I would eat here again and again because it is simply delicious and there is a little something for everyone.  Memphis loves their brunch; our table enjoyed quiches, a veggie tofu scramble, and a veggie frittatta.  For starters, we had a cheese plate & some vegetarian quinoa chili.   

We really didn't have a plan mapped out for the day.  So, we started driving towards downtown and were about to drive past Sun Studio, but decided to stop in & take the tour.  We go to Memphis often enough, but have never been on the tour, so it was new experience.  There are no frills here, but we had a charming tour guide and it was neat to look at the cute young Jerry Lee Lewis photos on the wall.  Did you know that it was a woman who technically discovered Elvis? 

These are original tiles from the hey day!

After Sun Studios, we went to the visitor's center to regroup and try to figure out what our next move was going to be.  Hello, Memphis Zoo!

Here's the official Happy McValentine's Day photo...awwwwwww!  Besos!

But, you can't haff any of my greeeeeens:

Timber wolves.  I've never seen sadder dogs in my life, tails way down. They only came up close when  children were near.

Real Memphis Grizzlies, they were really interested in something:

It was extremely difficil to get one good photo of the sea lions, but they were amazing!  Flirty and ever-gliding,  I had one of those moments where I was like, "You are well suited to do what you do."

We got to see the polar bear, but he seemed completely distressed, pacing back and forth.  I'm one of those bleeding hearts that have mixed feelings about zoos.  I've met keepers who are really passionate about the animals they care for, but I can't help the feelings of guilt that arise.  Polar bears do not really belong in Memphis, but it's the only way I can lay eyes on one up close and with the threat of extinction and all, I appreciate the opportunity to see them. So beautiful.  There are usually two, but we only saw the one.

We were in for a treat as far as the pandas go -- usually, they DON'T MOVE.  Mr. Dirtybottoms walked around, scratched his rear on a post & walked around some more.

This little boo just sat back and ate.  So cute, but another threatened species:

We got to see the endangered Bonobos, too, but my photos didn't turn out.  What is that strange feeling you get when you watch primates?

It wasn't long before the sun started setting and the crisp returned to the air.  We got a good walk in, it was time to think of supper.

For me, discovering a fine restaurant is one of the best feelings.  You don't get to experience novelty often in life, I've learned, so a good meal that makes your heart sing is bliss.  I try to bury these memories deep in my mind for laters.  We dined @ Pearl's Oyster House on Main St.  I've never heard of it or noticed it during my many trips to Memphis.  ATM & I wanted to dine on some seafood (so, I guess that technically makes us pescatarian) and we saw Pearl's earlier in the day.  They have one of those menus where you just can't decide what you want.  But, we finally settled on a dozen Gulf Coast oysters for starters.  I firmly believe that the Gulf produces THE BEST oysters and these did not disappoint.

It took me a long time to decide, but I finally opted for mussels as my entree.  It's one of those decisions where you can't help, but congratulate yourself.  Ye olde "I'm so glad I did that." They prepare them in a tomato broth, my favorite, as opposed to a white wine sauce.  Perfection.  I need to go back.

We rounded off the entire meal with a divine bread pudding.  ATM's mum claimed that it was "slap your momma" good which is good that she and ATM weren't sitting next to each other.  Anyway, I'm inclined to agree.  Damn.

She and Anthony had a chocolate mousse cheesecake.  I'm not crazy about cheesecake, but that was ultra tasty.  I'd hit it again.

We got some coffees to-go (one for the road) said our good-byes and went back to North Little Rock.  It's one of those days that I'll totally look back on and just know that I've got it made.  We are so lucky to have supportive, nice parents in our lives.  Besos to Trisha & Anthony!

In other news, I might be a published writer very soon!  It's no big deal, just doing some write-ups and reviews of restaurants for the Arkansas Times.  I'm glad to hone my writing skills AND get paid for it.  All money raised will go towards ATM & I's future trip to London and Glasgow.  We also accept donations, heh.  I dare not let my mind wander to travel because I get overly excited and it makes me a little ill with anticipation.