Ghost Town

Wandering through old memories from my Daily Cupcake blog - just like finding a long forgotten diary... except there aren't scribbles of how much I adore so and so and how angry my sister made me when she "borrowed" my clothes without asking... 

 

I really need to keep up with this blog.  Looking back through photos and reminiscing while listening to Duran Duran... ok, I'll stop.  But really - I NEED to keep this blog up.

 

So much going on these days.  Where to start?

 

Let's take a trip to NOLA.

 

New Orleans has quite the appeal.

History oozing out of the sidewalks... among other things.

Yes, it's dirty.

I'd advise against flip flops... although I've done it before.

The food.

Don't count your calories here but lord help me.

Shrimp and grits.

Sylvain and everything on their menu.

The music and Frenchman Street.

You really can just grab your beverage of choice, hit the streets and listen to music.

The cemeteries.

Josh and I spent at least 2 hours paying our respects at Lafayette Cemetery #1.

 

*********************

 

When we visited in late January to celebrate both of our birthdays - it was freezing temperatures, sleet and ice AND we walked our happy bottoms everywhere.

We stayed bundled up and I only almost slipped twice...

Even had praline & rum cheesecake with coffee for breakfast one morning when we were "iced in."

Our days consisted of strolling the freezing streets around the Quarter, popping in for a bite to eat, sipping on spirits to warm us up, enjoying the museums, art, music and more food and sips.

We stayed just on the outskirts of the French Quarter in a lovely historic home on a quaint street.

On Saturday, the sun decided to come out - that is when we headed to the Garden District.

Strolled through old Victorians and 19th century mansions.

Brunch at Coquette.

The nights lit up with all sorts of fun characters.

We spent the majority of two evenings on Frenchman Street at d.b.a. and the front patio of Marigny Brasserie complete with fantastic people watching opportunities and free jazz music all night.

We rode the Carousel Bar a few times at Hotel Monteleone.

Sipped more spirits by candlelight at Lafitte's Blacksmith Bar.

Remember, we had to stay warm...

 

Really one of the best min-trips we've taken.

 

********************

 

Sadly I only took a handful of Polaroids - mainly at Lafayette Cememtery #1 since the sun was out and the skies brilliant.  With the majority of our days cloaked in overcast skies and the expired film I brought needed sunlight - I knew not much would come out exposed well.  I did take one shot in the Quarter - totally over exposed but I love the "ghost-like" quality it possesses. 

 

Hope to visit again soon... both NOLA and the ole' blog.

 

Until next time friends...

 

xoxo

 

 

Rusty Pumpkins & Flower Fields

It only took me six years, but I finally made it out to a Pumpkin Patch.

A road trip out to Marble Falls, to a pumpkin patch and wildflower farm called Sweet Berry Farms.  Armed with my Polaroid camera and Instagram as my back up.  What a divine morning!  Complete with blue skies, sunshine and fall temperatures.  The farm is outfitted with a corn maze, pumpkin and face painting, a petting zoo,  a small gift shop, flower picking, horseback rides and hay rides.  Lots of fun to be had, even if you're just young at heart.

Life Is Beautiful

Tucked on a hillside with killer views of downtown Austin and nestled behind the hustle and bustle of Lamar Street, there is a place that I think is magical. 

Always changing.  Inspiring.  Colorful.  Imaginative.  Passionate. 

It is a maze composed of crumbling walls, overgrown weeds, broken glass, and endless twists of creativity.

Hello Graffiti Park.

 

 

She Who Hangs Out in Cemeteries

A slight fall breeze tempting trees to shed their leaves.  Specks of sunshine through gauzy layers of clouds.  The lure of juniper & cypress softly scenting the air.  Bits of branches and layers of freshly fallen leaves beneath our feet.  Wandering without direction yet with respect to the death below us.  What a beautiful morning to visit Oakwood Cemetery.

" Remember youth as you pass by,

   As you are now, so once was I,

   As I am now so you must be,

   Prepare for death and follow me."

 

~ Oakwood Cemetery Tombstone

Waiting for leaves to fall

I've stocked up on canned pumpkin and chicken broth.  Rearranged my closet to include sweaters again.  Bought two pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks (only two pumps - three is just too sweet for me!).  Smiled each time I see pumpkins stacked high at Central Market.  Witnessed one cool morning - it was only 70 degrees... that's a big deal right now!  And I've raked leaves twice, my neighbor's leaves that fall in my yard, our trees haven't lost their leaves yet.  So what I'm trying to say is, I'm ready for you Fall, please visit and stay awhile!!

Preparations for Apple Crumble - Yum!

Riverside

Our annual trip to the Mason River Cabin is something I know we all look forward to each year.  Even though it seems to end too soon, it is always a welcomed retreat to our daily chaos.
I'm still learning the ropes on the art of film... obviously I have quite a way to go.  For some reason I can't seem to mute the background noise - so yes, for those of you that were there, that is Mike Kelly whistling for us to have dinner while Brooke and Kanah enjoy a peaceful moment on the back of Kevin's pick up truck.  Thanks to all of you that make this weekend so memorable!  Until next time...   xoxo



Mason Trip 2013 from Bonnie on Vimeo.

Eight Years

A flurry of blonde fur
velvety soft ears
inquisitive, searching chocolate brown eyes
and a big brushy tail that has attempted to knock many beverage glasses over in one clean sweep.

Our Noah-dog.

He was only 14 weeks old when we rescued him from Lafayette, Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina blew through in 2005.

A blonde ball of fluff with floppy ears and a goofy grin.
He was the best "student" in puppy class - learning "leave it" was SUCH a breeze, he made training easy.   Although now he has become a little more stubborn in his older years.

He isn't the best cuddler- he prefers his space.  Although around meal time he awards you with extra love - in order to get his food sooner...

I always feel safe when he's around, he is my protector, my guardian dog.

Today he turns 8 years old.  We don't have any children, but I understand when families look at their child and proclaim, "Oh my, where has the time gone?  You have grown up so quickly!"

So a toast to our first pup on his 8th Birthday - may your kibble always be laced in cat food, your dreams full of squirrel conquests, and your trips to the dog park never-ending.


*regretfully I only have a handful of photos when Noah was just a puppy... but here are two taken at my parent's ranch house when he was still really young - notice his ears still didn't stand all the way up!  The last polaroid photo was taken today, while he enjoyed his daily ritual of sunbathing.

xoxo