musings of Mother Hood

You might be from Fayetteville

When I was originally compiling my Life List, I spent some time looking over other people's lists to get ideas and inspiration. And among the common items like "Go skydiving" and "Learn a second language" was something that struck me as interesting -- Be a tourist in your own town. It came up time and time again, but it was usually on the lists of people who live somewhere fabulous like San Francisco or NYC or Boston.

I didn't add it to my list because I thought it would be too easy. I thought I'd pretty much done what it takes to "tour" NWA so I left it alone. But the last few weeks have changed my thinking about what it means to truly experience your own hometown.

I Googled "Fayetteville Arkansas bucket list" and stumbled across a countdown compiled by The Free Weekly - The Top 40 List of things you must do to be considered a true NWA resident. As I read through it, I was shocked by some of the things I haven't done. But I had several nice, nostalgic moments as I remembered the stories of the items I was able to cross off.

 

The Fayetteville, Arkansas Bucket List

40. You must have been to at least five small towns that are off the I-540 corridor — and by “been to” we do not mean drive through: You must stop and talk to at least three people.
39. Have a Facebook chat with Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan.
38. Hike Devil’s Den State Park.
37. Party on the Patio at Powerhouse Seafood and Grill.
36. Know what business was in a building at least three businesses ago.
35. Share a kiss by the cross on Mount Sequoyah.
34. Have a Bloody Mary at Common Grounds in Fayetteville.
33. See a show at the Rogers Little Theater.
32. Have lived in a Lindsey apartment complex. You get extra credit if the complex had Links or Greens in the name.
31. Buy a piece of art from a local artist.
30. Experience the linear parking lot that I-540 becomes at certain times of the day, like between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to about 7 p.m.
29. Get gas at what is locally known as the Gucci Gas Station, also called the Prada Pick ’n’ Tote, in Rogers. Its real name is Pinnacle Station Local Market.
28. Visit a taqueria — Spanish for taco shop.
27. Go boating on Beaver Lake.
26. Eat at the Monte Ne Chicken Inn.
25. Know at least three celebrities from the area.
24. Go to First Thursday on the town square in Fayetteville.
23. Cross state lines to gamble.
22. Feed the animals, or get slightly nipped by one, at the Wild-Wilderness Drive-Through Safari.
21. Have your photo taken with Dick Trammel at a charity event.
20. Call in to Jon Williams’ morning show on 93.3 The Eagle.
19. Take a flight from Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport or at least know where you are when you land.
18. Have a drink in at least five restaurants in Benton County — just not all in the same night.
While there are still no liquor stores, Rogers and Bentonville offer plenty of places to get a glass of wine, a swig of beer or a cocktail with your dinner — well deserving of the nickname “The Wettest Dry County in Arkansas.”
17. Buy liquor at Macadoodles on Sunday at the location in Missouri just north of Bella Vista.
16. Visit the home of the official Bluebird of Happiness - Terra Studios.
15. Get a ticket in Johnson.
14. Eat at Herman’s Ribhouse along North College Avenue in Fayetteville.
13. Visit the ruins of William “Coin” Harvey’s health resort — now mostly under the surface of Beaver Lake — in Monte Ne.
12. Experience the Arts Center of the Ozarks.
11. Attend the Rodeo of the Ozarks over the July Fourth weekend in Springdale.
10. Take either Scenic U.S. 71 or the Pig Trail Scenic Byway (Arkansas 23) to Interstate 40 to find out why I-540 means so much to all of us.
9. Know that Springdale is nicknamed “Chickendale” because of the presence of some big poultry companies, such as George’s Inc. and — the biggest of all — Tyson Foods.
8. Attend a concert at the AMP at the Northwest Arkansas Mall in Fayetteville.
7. Attend a show at the Walton Arts Center on Dickson Street in Fayetteville.
6. Shop at the Fayetteville Farmers' Market.
5. Go to a Northwest Arkansas Naturals game at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale and have your photo taken with Strike the Sasquatch.
4. Spend at least one weekend in Eureka Springs.
3. Attend Bikes, Blues & BBQ in Fayetteville.
2. Go to a movie at the 112 Drive-In.
1. Attend a University of Arkansas Razorbacks football game — or basketball game or baseball game or track event or gymnastics meet, or … well, you get the idea. To check this one off, you have to wear a red Hog hat and yell “Woo Pig Sooie!”

See original list with more detail and commentary HERE. And HERE. Thank you, Free Weekly!

 

Now that Colt is getting older, we're rediscovering Fayetteville a little. Last weekend, we hiked out to Whitaker Point (not on the list). And this weekend we decided to test our luck by taking the trail around Lake Fayetteville (also not on the list). This was only after we spent the morning at the Fayetteville Farmers' Market (ON THE LIST!). And I can't believe this is true - but I've lived here for 10 years and this past Saturday was my first ever trip to the Farmer's Market!

So here you go - a few tourist photos of our weekend in Fayetteville:

We walked around the Fayetteville square all morning, but if you ask Colt what we saw he will excitedly tell you, "Rocks! And water!"

See that face? That face has sound effects. Sound effects that were in full force for the first mile or so, but disappeared for good once we really got going. The trail is about 5 miles and we walked every last step. Colt walked nearly every one of them with us -- only riding on Jeff's shoulders or my back for short stretches throughout the afternoon. We ALL slept hard that night.

We aren't making a mission of it or anything, but I imagine we'll hit a few more of those NWA Bucket List items before the summer is over. Some of them we'll do over and over - because we're good little Hogs.

What's on your hometown tourist list? Anything missing from the NWA Top 40?

Play, or play not. There is no work.

We do not stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing. -- Anonymous

Warm my heart

I can say with almost complete certainty that the temperature in my house is lower than the temperature in your house. Right now. And during the day. And during the middle of the night.

Just trust me.

For various reasons that aren't all that interesting, we keep the thermostat pretty low during the winter and everyone has learned to adjust. We wear socks and sweats. My friend Tena gave me one of those bags of corn you heat up in the microwave - I keep it on my lap while I work on the computer at night. And this year we even bought a space heater for the bathroom because getting out of the shower had taken a turn for the brutal and uncivilized. 

I seem to be the only person in the house even remotely negatively affected by the temperature so I generally try to wear some sleeves and get over myself, but we're right in the heart of that truly cold time of year when, well, it's cold. Whiney fussy sissy cold. And there aren't enough socks in this whole darn house.

So I've been spending time looking through pictures of this past summer and making tentative-at-best plans for fun things we might do THIS summer. And I think of bubbles and swimming and watermelon and bare feet and waterslides and mowing the grass and popsicles.

And I'm already warmer. 

Big City turn me loose and set me free

I love that I grew up with two parents who love good classic country music. I grew up listening to Patsy Cline and Jerry Reed and George Jones and Willie Nelson. We watched Hee Haw and The Statler Brothers. I personally think it's hard to qualify something as true country music if there's no steel guitar in sight. Mmmm. It's good for the soul.

So when I heard Merle Haggard was coming to town - I jumped at the chance. THE Merle Haggard. Playing in Fayetteville, Arkansas. One night only. We had to go.

So we did. We got all fancy and stuff with a babysitter and EVERYTHING. We met some friends for dinner and drinks before the show and had an absolute ball.

Scott and Tena work with me at Saatchi and are as fanatical about good country music as we are. (It's hard to tell from that picture, but Scott's shirt says: MAMA TRIED.) So we were quite the group.

Sadly - these are the best photos I could get with my phone of the actual show.

The only thing better would have been a venue with a dance floor! After the show, we loitered around the stage hoping for an extra glimpse of Merle.

And while we didn't get an autograph, if you look closely at that last photo you'll see that we got the next best thing.

The Hag's guitar pick!

He played several classics and a few new ones from his latest album - and he and his wife even channeled some Johnny and June and sang "Jackson". And even though I knew he couldn't play them all - we'd have been there all night! - I was sad we didn't hear some of my favorites. But the last song he played might have been my favorite of the night. It's the title song on his new album - I Am What I Am - and it's beautiful. Most of the show the crowd was singing and clapping along, but that last song was just his voice, his guitar and one guy playing the bass line in the background. And the place was otherwise almost silent. It was the most soulful song of the evening and it's the next thing I'm buying on iTunes. It's brand new and I can't even find the lyrics for you -- but look it up. It's a good one.

Decisions, decisions.

The way I feel about peanut butter and Nutella is what I imagine it must feel like to have two children. I try very hard to love them equally, but each has its own unique personality and admirable qualities.

Peanut butter is the older child - displaying qualities of responsibility and natural leadership. Trusty ole PB can be counted on. I never have to worry about ordering dessert - I simply have to ask, "what do you have with peanut butter?" and I know he'll come through. He's mature. A rock.

Nutella, however, is the typical baby of the family. Always vying for attention. A little reckless. Happy-go-lucky. But charming and fun - and irresistible.

Peanut butter and I - we go way back. We've matured together. He made me what I am today. But Nutella has come in and rocked my world. And I'll never be the same.

You can see my dilemma.

That said, I don't really bake but I decided to try out a recipe sent to me by my lovely friend Lisa (Hi Lisa!). She was so thoughtful to forward it on, and I couldn't help but spend Monday evening playing hooky from the gym and playing favorites with my two greatest loves.

I present to you - Nutella Swirl Pound Cake, as listed on delish.com. 

You are under strict instructions to pay zero attention to the amount of butter in this recipe. It's completely unimportant. Thank you for your cooperation.

Ahh yes. The hero of our story. Sweet little Nutella. We'll get to you in a minute.

Note for next time: APPARENTLY, there are better times to use the mixer than while the Cowboys are playing on Monday Night Football.

Remember where you filed that part about the butter? Yeah. Put this little detail about the ENTIRE JAR OF NUTELLA in there with it.

It KINDA looks like the photo in the recipe, right??

In case you're interested, I'm sorry to inform you that there is not much left of this particular batch of cake. I took most of it to work on Tuesday and it disappeared rather quickly. So that's something. And it's been quite a hit at home, too. I will definitely be printing this recipe and putting it in my file 'o favorites.

Anyone out there have a recipe that requires both peanut butter AND Nutella? Just in case I want to take both children on a little family vacation or something. 

Don't Worry 'Bout A Thing

Ever been misunderstood, misused, or misled
Ever knocked on the sky and had it fall on your head
Well don't worry 'bout it, don't worry
Ever lost your luggage, your marbles, your house
Or found yourself in bed with Uncle Sam or Mickey Mouse
Ever been accused of murder on music row
Or caught in morning traffic when you really gotta go, oh no

Life is funny, life's a mess
Sometimes a curse, sometimes a blessing
Don't worry 'bout a thing, don't worry 'bout it
Life is sticky, life can bruise
Sometimes you win sometimes you're losing
No matter what it brings, don't worry 'bout a thing

Ever sat yourself down when the seat is all wet
Or seen your ex sucking face with a little brunette
Don't worry 'bout it, no don't worry
Ever lost your religion, ever lost your best friend
Ever found your last record in the bargain bin
Ever been stuck in a divorce like crazy glue
Or scraped someone else's gum off the bottom of your shoe, boo hoo

Life is funny, life's a mess
Sometimes a curse, sometimes a blessing
Don't worry 'bout a thing, don't worry 'bout it
Life is sticky, life can bruise
Sometimes you win sometimes you're losing
No matter what it brings, don't worry 'bout a thing

Don't worry, don't worry

We all got a little junk in the trunk
And when you're feelin' good as sun
Remember, everything will be just fine
If I laugh at yours then you'll laugh at mine

Life is funny, life's a mess
Sometimes a curse, sometimes a blessing
Don't worry 'bout a thing, don't worry 'bout it
Life is sticky, life can bruise
Sometimes you win, sometimes you're losing
No matter what it brings, don't worry

Life is funny, life's a mess
Sometimes a curse, sometimes a blessing
Don't worry 'bout a thing, no don't worry 'bout it
Life is sticky, life can bruise
Sometimes you win, sometimes you're losing
No matter what it brings, don't worry 'bout a thing

Don't worry, don't worry

Life is sticky, life can bruise
Sometimes you win sometimes you're losing
No matter what it brings, don't worry 'bout a thing

SHeDAISY - Don't Worry 'Bout A Thing

click to play...

 

Things That Make Me Smile

I hereby declare that pint-sized Chuck Taylors are the 'little boy' cuteness counterpart of little girls' bloomers with ruffles on the butt.

a.k.a. Possibly The Most Important Conversation I Had At Work Yesterday

Because this has become a place I feel comfortable over-sharing, I think it's only fair to tell you about my ChapStick thing. It's one of those brands that has become synonymous with the product itself - like Kleenex or Q-tips or McNuggets. And it's not hard to see why. I personally take great care of my ChapStick. After years of trial and error I am now fiercely loyal to the blue tube - Moisturizer, though there was a fairly significant phase in college during which my friend Jenni and I scoured every possible store for the coveted STRAWBERRY.  I buy them in the triple pack and keep the extras in a kitchen drawer beside other essentials like flashlights and rubber bands. I have blue ChapStick EVERYWHERE - purse, diaper bag, car, winter coats, bedside table, office desk drawer. I try to be prepared. And when I open a new tube I am really careful to peel off the little plastic seal so that there's a clean break and a smooth edge on the remaining plastic. I go to more trouble than I should probably admit to get this just right. And after I get the little white cap off I spend some time shaping the top of the tube so it's nice and round. Again - just right.

See? Over-sharing.

I can't help it. I love ChapStick. And apparently I'm not alone. I spent some time last night doing all the appropriate research. And you're looking at the newest member of the Official ChapStick Fan Club. Benefits of membership are a little vague, but we'll see what happens. Next, naturally, I checked it out on Facebook. There are 193 pages about ChapStick on Facebook and over 1100 groups. And (what appears to be) the Official Fan Page has over 160,000 fans! And I'm one of them.

And where did all this nonsense come from? I'm so glad you asked. My very serious, grown-up job of course. Yesterday, the following all-important question was discussed, at length, at my office: Do you share your ChapStick?

Well? DO you?

I will reserve my answer so as not to sway the vote, but I want to hear your take. I will tell you that I think there's more to it than a yes/no. The question is wide open. Shades of gray. Disclaimers everywhere. What if this? and What about that? and Only if it's my wife/child/boss/roommate/total stranger. I want to hear it all. Bring it on. Leave a comment making your case. Do you share your ChapStick?

Separately, I'm thinking of submitting an entry to Urban Dictionary and would like your help with that, too. One of my disclaimers is that it depends on whether or not it is a "ChapStick Emergency", and I need some help fleshing out my definition. Determining a ChapStick Emergency is tricky. And subjective.

So here's my first attempt:

ChapStick Emergency -

1. A sudden, urgent, usually unexpected occurrence requiring immediate relief - that which can only truly be provided by ChapStick.
"Woah, the wind is brutal today. This sudden storm is going to cause a ChapStick Emergency."
2. Any situation which impedes the process or progress of applying ChapStick.
"I have lotion on my fingers and can't get the tube open. This is a ChapStick Emergency!"
3. Any circumstances whereby one has not made the necessary ChapStick preparations and finds oneself without an adequate supply.
"Man, I can't believe I'm halfway through this movie, all alone in a dark theater with a bucket of salty popcorn, and no ChapStick! This is a ChapStick Emergency!" 

Thoughts? You may or may not be surprised to know just how many entries in the Urban Dictionary contain the word "chapstick". I counted eleven. With your help, I could be number twelve.

Ok, I'm done. Now feel free to go find something that will restore those IQ points that just slipped away. 

The Best of 2009. Blog Challenge.

What is the challenge?

A look back on your year. A time for reflection. A chance to make new friends.

__________

Sign. Me. Up.

I live for that stuff.

So I recently found a website called gwenbell.com. And though I am 18 days late, I LOVE the idea of taking time during each day in December to look back and highlight all of my 2009 notables. There is a prompt listed for each day, but since I didn't get in on the ground floor, I'll be taking some liberties so that I can fit it all in.

*** 

December 18. Shop. Online or offline, where did you spend most of your mad money this year?

My name is Sarah Hood. And I am addicted to Shutterfly. I honestly can't imagine that you haven't heard of it, but I suppose stranger things have happened. From Shutterfly's About Us page: We are a leading Internet-based social expression and personal publishing service that enables consumers to share, print and preserve their memories by leveraging our technology-based platform and manufacturing processes.

Translation: A big pile of awesomeness.

I think I knew of Shutterfly before but I experienced my first Shutterfly project last Christmas when my sister-in-law Lynn made Jeff a photo book of his trip to Washington to climb Mt. Rainier. It is really cool and something we still look through from time to time. I loved that you could put journaling and photos together in a professionally bound book - and putting it together is SO easy. Everything is online so there are no scrapbooking supplies to buy/store/sort, you can make endless adjustments until you order, and you can work on multiple projects at once -- I currently have 6 open projects!

So. It's my new favorite thing. I did our Christmas cards with them this year and several Christmas presents for family. And! My most favorite! Colt's baby book. It starts the day I found out I was pregnant - October 1, 2007 - and runs through his entire first year. Shutterfly photo books start at 20 pages and max out at 100. His book is every bit of 100 pages and holds several hundred photographs. But honestly, if they had an option for a 700 page book...

I started it over six months ago. And working on it the last several months has all but permanently shifted my bedtime from around 10 to around midnight. I have stayed up after the boys are asleep, playing with backgrounds and fonts and cropping/editing photos until I just can't keep my eyes open. And I'm almost sad that it's all done. Though - never fear - I have already started his Second Year book!

Shutterfly is definitely a favorite new hobby - and not free (what is?!) - but it has truly been therapeutic. Looking through old photos, reading through old blog entries. I can't get enough. Jeff has been teasing me - saying I actually made the book for Colt's (someday) wife, which is probably somewhat true! But I hope that Colt and his family enjoy it someday, reading through his first year of life and getting a strong sense of where he came from.

I thought about posting the link here so you can see my handiwork, but I don't want to spoil the surprise for grandparents and family when they see it next week at Christmas. I promise to post a link after that. And as a consolation prize - and so you can see the photo book concept in action - you can feast your eyes on another recently completed project - my Africa trip.

Click here to view this photo book.

And if that doesn't work, try THIS LINK.