Slowly but surely, after a year of living in the South (my husband has lived here much longer but we've been here together for a year), we're finding our way and making the most of our time here. Mind you, we're not getting too cozy--we still can't wait to move North--but we're both feeling peaceful and happy and we're trying to enjoy the last months of our time in the deep South. After all, while I know you should never say never, I don't think we'll ever live this far South again!
My brother's visit gave us a chance to do some really fun things in the area, and I thought I'd share just a few of the things we did and give you a peek into our weekend and the area we currently call home.
I picked my brother up in Montgomery and on our way to get some breakfast at a cafe, we stopped by F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald's home. They didn't live here for very long but it's always neat to see places where historic figures spent time.
We got the sweetest and juiciest watermelon from the farmer's market, and my boys thoroughly enjoyed it!
We didn't even have to travel to see fireworks. Several of our neighbors were setting off their own all night, and they were quite impressive and beautiful. We took an evening walk (sorry for the poor quality on this one) and then sat on our balcony for a while to chat and soak up the sparkling night and (blissfully) cool air.
And, we made cupcakes from scratch. They may not look perfect but they tasted divine.
If you've been around my blog for a while, you know that my brother is a gifted photographer, so I was thrilled when I found out that there was an exhibit of rarely-seen World War II Associated Press photographs being shown at a local art museum. It was fantastic and the images were haunting, moving, and filled with expression. We went the day after the 4th, so it was a perfect time to remember our nation's past and to honor the incredible bravery displayed in so many of the photographs. I snapped iPhone shots (while trying to be quick and discrete, so sorry for the crookedness!) of some of my favorites. Even though my photos of the photos aren't great, I think they at least give you an idea of the incredible sense of humanity that these wartime photographers captured.
A soldier standing in a demolished church.
Paratroopers right before their jump on D-Day.
Soldiers praying before the invasion of Normandy.
Soldiers being given communion by their chaplain.
A little French girl decorating GI graves.
Soldiers at a USO dance in Harlem.
Sailors hanging out of portholes as they approach New York harbor.
On our last night, we went to our favorite restaurant in town. Isn't this back courtyard so beautiful and quaint? It was a perfect end to a perfect visit.
p.s. Something Ivory turns one on Friday! I have something special planned to celebrate and thank my dear, faithful readers, so please make sure you check back!
That's so great that your brother was able to visit over the holiday! Those pictures you shared of the war images are touching. What a perfect way to celebrate the 4th of July. Oh... and the Fitzgerald House, awesome! I was just saying how I want to re-read The Great Gatsby and watch the movie.
ReplyDeleteWow - those photographs look incredible. I'm so glad you had a great visit with your brother :) ps. love your brown sandals :)
ReplyDeleteIt really was perfect timing! And it was really neat to see F. Scott Fitzgerald's house. There's a museum inside which was closed when we were there, so going back to see the exhibit is on my list!
ReplyDeleteThanks Katie! I love those sandals too. They're not super high, but high enough to feel dressy and fun :) A tricky balance for a tall gal!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! I loved all of those war photos. That one sailor practically hanging completely out of the window in the last shot! WOW! It looks like a great visit. :)
ReplyDeleteHow awesome that your brother could visit. 2 of Tim's 3 brothers helped us move last year and the other and his wife came to visit last fall. My parents have made countless trips here but I wish everyone would have came too. We may or may not go back to MD when T is finished ...and if we stay somewhere South...it has to be in/around a lively area. I can't do this mountain town living.
ReplyDeleteI know! I had to take a picture of that one because it was so light and spirited and happy, a contrast to some of the intensity and darkness of the others.
ReplyDeleteSo fun to have family visitors! :)
ReplyDeleteI agree!
ReplyDeleteHow cool! I would definitely love to visit the Fitzgeralds' house. Having family visitors is always nice, and it's a bonus to have a reason to explore more of the area and do touristy things. Glad you guys had such a great time!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah, it really was special :)
ReplyDeletethose cupcakes look yummy and perfectly patriotic! I'd love to hear your thoughts on living in the south v. living in the north - despite what I said in an earlier comment, sometimes I think about moving down to Savannah (vibrant arts scene!) and just taking things more slowly.
ReplyDeleteWell, I think Savannah and Charleston and places like that are quite different from where we are living in the South. I think cities like that have fantastic arts scenes and lots to do and are really lovely. I think I'd be happier living in the South if we lived in one of those cities, we'll put it that way!
ReplyDeleteWhere we live now isn't totally our cup of tea, but as I said I am trying to appreciate the things that ARE here :) Mostly I just can't stand the heat...