Wednesday, November 30, 2011

On A Quest For That Doggie Rainbow Bridge In The Sky


A most traumatic thing happened to me today and I feel the need to write...

As I was taking Ruff, Hermie, and Honey for a morning walk, Ruff began to cry out, then drop down, and finally collapse upon just starting our walk. He was dead a few minutes later. I've never lost a healthy, eight year old dog like this. And, I hope it will be the last.

Ruff was a wonderful gregarious shepherd mix I found in 2003. He and Red(alive and well and sad)were playing in the parking lot of a motel I had stopped at around 9:30pm. I looked at them periodically through the night peeking out my window. Upon leaving the next morning, Ruff and Red were sleeping soundly in the motel's flower bed. I started to leave but couldn't. I then loaded the two lost and dirty but sweet and loving dogs in my car and they have lived with me ever since. All my pets are spayed, neutered, flea and heart worm free and well taken care of. I do not hoard animals...I simply have eight seven dogs who have not had a decent home until I took them in.

I love each dog I care for and all the others who have no home and all the others who do. I simply love animals and all other furry critters. As a child, I dreamed of being a veterinarian when I grew up...I guess you could say my dream came half way true because through the years I have been fortunate to be able to take care of many lost, broken, hurt, injured, and neglected animals. Ruff was one of the best... and today I'm especially on a quest for that Doggie Rainbow Bridge in the sky...
  

Monday, November 14, 2011

On A Quest For The Crystal Bridges Of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas

OMG, HTB(Heavens to Betsy), and I do declayah, RUN don't walk to the new museum, graciously given to us by The Walton's from Bentonville, Arkansas! And, special thanks to Miss Alice who seems to be the lady in charge of this huge extravaganza!! For many, her monumental task might be considered the cart before the horse,(check this link to see what I mean) however, some of us are of the philosophy if you build it, they will come! And, a whopping $1.2 billion is said to have built this project! Believe me, they weren't telling tall tales! Oh, and admission is free, just do as I did, and go to http://CrystalBridges.org to reserve your tickets today. Easy as pie!

This exclusive wonder is located just minutes from the town square where Sam Walton started it all and is nestled in a 120 acre ravine which spans the creek called Crystal Spring. Take I540N toward Bentonville, exit 86, left at the light, down to J Street and hang a right, and follow the signs. Once there you will discover a breathtaking array of 400 works by American artists which tell the story of America's history as seen by its artists. Temporary exhibitions are on display as well. Be sure to keep your mouth closed (so a bug won't fly in) and do plan on staying the entire day with elaborate amenities such as the Coffee Bar, the Museums's restaurant, Eleven, which serves an innovative twist to lunch and dinner cuisine, the Museum Store(of course), and The Library which offers a large collection of art reference materials.  Click the link for hours and details! The grounds of the Museum are just as impressive as the art inside so be sure to dress comfortably and experience the natural environment too.

I took tons of pictures but, just as I did when I traveled to The Louvre in Paris... pictures do not do justice...you have to go for yourself... anyway, here are few of my favorites which kept my jar dropping...on my day at the Museum...

Of course, Norman Rockwell(1894-1926) Rosie the Riveter, 1943 Oil on canvas

Mary Cassatt(1844-1926) Summertime, 1894 Oil on canvas

Andy Warhol(1928-1987) Dolly Parton, 1985 Synthetic polymer and screen print on canvas

Evan Penny(b.1953) Old Self: Portrait of the Artist as He Will (Not) Be, Variation #2, 2010 Silicone, pigment, hair, fabric, aluminum

Karen Lamonte(b.1967) Dress Impression with Wrinkled Cowl, 2007 Cast glass



Friday, November 11, 2011

On A Quest For the Annual Silver Tea in Eureka Springs, Arkansas 2011


Every year in December, the wonderful women from Saint James Episcopal Church in Eureka Springs, Arkansas throw a memorable event for all those who attend called The Annual Silver Tea at the Crescent Hotel. This year the event will be held Thursday, December 1, 2011 from two till four in the afternoon.

I love attending this event because the people of this exciting Ozark/Victorian city go all out to welcome everyone who attends! They dress in full Victorian costume, make delicious homemade desserts and sandwiches, and serve tea the proper English way with the finest silver service the Crescent Hotel has to offer. The event is donation at the door and always goes toward a fine project in the Eureka Springs area. Last year's beneficiary was the Carnagie Library and the year before was the Good Shepherd Humane Society of Eureka Springs.  The Christmas Parade in the downtown historic district will follow on Saturday. Check out some pics I took last year and do save the date! Will I see you there??






Tuesday, November 8, 2011

On A Quest For Some Really Good Cajun Cooking...

Don't you just love the way our Little Rock River Market area has progressed in the last few years? This place has so much to offer the residents of the area as well as the visitors coming in. And, they are coming in most frequently these days thanks to the many sites to see, the great places to shop, and the wonderful new restaurants! It's a great place to do some fine moseyin' however, if you want to get down with some serious Cajun eating, do check out Redbones! Loved the Red Beans & Rice, mile high Cornbread, and the Pimento Cheese just like my mom use to make!!! And, after you're full and satisfied and maybe lookin' for some learnin'...don't miss the fabulous Clinton Library.  





Redbone's Downtown on Urbanspoon

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Mermaids New Location...What Happened to Savor??

Mermaids on Urbanspoon
Hey, don't go to the Green Acres Road address...move on down the road to the new Mermaids location! Same great food, friendly staff, and delightful drinks but wait till you see the new digs! Mermaids, now located in the old Savor building is going really strong to accommodate Fayetteville's hungry patrons and night life. We got there early and by the end of the evening all tables were full and happy. Our group had a little bit of everything and all was really good. Me and #3 stayed legal on our new vegan lifestyle with suggestions from our super waiter! The crowd at the bar looked like they were really enjoying themselves as everyone soaked up the warm, cozy, and huge new surroundings. Try Mermaids first...we've never been disappointed.