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Hope Farm Housewife

my patchwork life

Archives for November 2009

Thanksgiving at the Big House- Part 1 (the Atlanta Adventure)

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This year we made it. We made the trip to Helen GA to the Glen-Kenimer-Tucker House to have Thanksgiving with family. This inherited historic home is a history book in and of itself. The house is located in Nachoochee Valley referred to as “Nachoochee” for as long as I can remember. The mere name results in comedy when children attempt to pronounce it! Due to pregnancy work and other complexities we have been unable to make the trip the past two years we were glad to be there this year. To frost the trip we spent the first two nights of the week in Decatur with my sister and her husband ( Zach of four months).

Monday afternoon: We hit the “trail” (okay “road” but trail sounds more fun) only two hours past our planned departure. We packed everything imaginable… except for no socks for the boys and no bottoms for mom. I suppose I just planned on walking around in my panties all week especially when hiking the trails in the North Georgia mountains. So my brain was fried by the time I attempted my own packing. I managed to get a bag full of cute tops sweaters shoes earrings toiletries etc. – just no pants! This sort of packing is quite an – only achieved through total overload of all mental systems state! The problem was easily eradicated by my fashion-saavy sister. Thanks Beth!

Arriving late in the evening Kenimer was elated to finally be able to go to Aunt B’s house and the boys were overjoyed to find that B had “movies” (anything that has pictures that move) on-tap. The boys were mesmerized by cable TV enabling the adults to have some good talk time!

Tuesday My sis Bethany and I went shopping and explored the Decatur Square area. We each had Thanksgiving baking assignments so a trip to the DeKalb Farmers Market was necessary. Collections of food types from all over the world was stunning. Above all I loved seeing collections of global produce and grains. Quinoa buckwheat and amaranth were a few items found in low- priced abundance!

My hubbie took the boys to Grace Fellowship Church – where Zach works and Shannon wanted – to say “hello” and tour the church facilities. Following the boys short afternoon nap Bethany’s husband Zach arrived home and wrestle-mania began. Needless to say the boys like their Uncle Zack whom my youngest – Tucker – now calls “Bubba”.

Zach called while we were shopping with a great idea which produced a great evening: a babysitter for the boys allowing a night out for brothers and sisters!. First stop: Sushi in the square met up with our new friends Pat & Meg and then wandered over to the Brick Store (nope they didn’t sell bricks) for some extended hang-out time where my Nashville-based Bro Mckendree met us. It was an amazing time with much-loved family!

The unforeseen blessing was when the babysitter declined our pay and we later found that she was paid by Aunt B and Uncle Z. What a bolt from the blue blessing! We spent the wee hours sharing specialty cheeses discussing everything but the sun and enjoying council of siblings.

Visiting my sis’s house engrained this truth into my head: The little girl I grew up with is now a woman: she makes menus grocery shops and shares recipes with me. Sharing this season with her is delightful to say the least. Her apartment is so homey cozy and welcoming. It’s kind of crazy that these people you shared rooms and bathrooms with while growing up now have their own houses and meet up with you in big cities for reunions. Now those times are mere memories serving as bridges to the present. My how things do change.

Thus concludes: Thanksgiving at the big house Part 1 – Part 2 coming soon!

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It's my turn now!

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Back in the day whilst tendering my service as a kindergarten teacher I planned made costumes rehearsed songs and took part in dress rehearsals for many a kindergarten plays and PTA showcases. Walking the hall with my class – single file with hands behind their backs – into the backstage entrance. Parents would try to catch a glimpse of their lil’ pilgrim Indian or elf – whatever the theme might’ve been. Never mind whether the children sang on key – or sang at all – or did what they were supposed to: the parents were still elated – so proud of their little ones.

Some parents cried while laughing at their cute little offspring. I can remember feeling stressed because so many parents wanted me to pose with their pilgrim or elf and I simultaneously was trying to smile so little “Johnny” would have his picture to reminisce about Kindergarten all the while trying to keep up with my class of 21. Whew! I often wondered- what will it be like to be sitting in the audience comprised of other proud parents watching my child singing songs reciting a poem etc. Will I really take  that many pics when it’s mine? My mind pondering the deep thoughts of future parenthood.

Fast forward 4 years…

It is my turn now!

Today was the big day. Kenimer – my first born son – had his first Thanksgiving celebration. The parents were invited and asked to bring a side dish to enjoy at the feast afterwards. Myself Shannon and Tucker arrived with cameras charged – ready to have a flash-fest our homemade pumpkin pie in hand. The director made her speech and it began: the single-file line of Pilgrims and Indians filed in. My heart lept as I anxiously looked for my little Indian boy. Then I saw him: feathered hat drawings on his face etc file onto the stage and began to sing. His next gesture was amazing and I will never forget it. He turned his head and saw his Pipie (granddad) Allie (grandma) Mom Dad and brother Tucker. He very loudly greeted each one of us from the stage while the songs were being sung.

OH HEY MAMA! OH THERE’S PIPIE! THERES ALLIE! HEY PIPIE! HEY ALLIE! HEY TUCKER!  ”He then proceeded to count loudly “There one PIPIE; 2 ALLIE; 3 MAMA; 4 DADDY; and 5 TUCKER.” Five of his favorite people were there to see him. He sang and did the motions interjecting every third or fourth line to shout “Hello!” to one of the five people who were there for him.
And yes in case you were wondering I did take that many pictures I did shed tears I did laugh hysterically. Have you ever seen a cuter Indian boy?

A few of the pics and a short video for your entertainment.

My turn now…Kenimer’s Thanksgiving Musical from Shannon Lewis on Vimeo.

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Inspire & Impart: Bob & Dawn Davis

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A cool opportunity came our way last month and we NEVER pass up a cooler than usual gig if we can help it. We met an interesting and unique new couple and said couple needed a music coordinator/performers for their wedding.


This was not any ole’ wedding mind you. This soon-to-be-hitched gal is QUITE the photographer: Sarah (Skowe) DeShaw. You can view her website here and read her daily musings here. A few years back she won a seat in a photo workshop hosted by celebrity photojournalists Bob and Dawn Davis. Camaraderie and friendship ensued between the established photographers and Sarah. When she herself was engaged she called her new friends the Davis’s and conspired a photo workshop for her small destination wedding on St. Simons Island. The weekend was called Davis Love Story. The workshop was very quickly filled up.

Well as soon as we were told of the opportunity an agreement was made and meetings were held. We Saint Lewis peeps would perform ceremony music all reception music and provide set-up and operate all sound equipment for the wedding and reception.

When we arrived for rehearsal one would normally expect a photographer with camera in hand – we saw 15+ photographers testing the light adjusting lenses and snapping away. I had never seen so much camera equipment in one place. What happened next was a surprise: we were asked to join the workshop at the beach to offer another subject for the many photographers! I was blown away by the convergence of so many photographers on one spot – the dialogue was channeled into one topic: LIGHT. Bob was giving a lesson on “finding the light” – I heard phrases such as “don’t stop until you find the light” and “It will make your photo sing”. Words like “aperture” “shutter speed number” “composition” “dappled” and etc were being tossed about freely as though they were everyday lingo – as normal as talking about the Georgia game. I was moved by the passion Bob was imparting with every coaching statement he delivered.  The workshop students seized instruction and put it to work simultaneously.  Meanwhile Sarah and her fiance Brent were modeling in mock wedding attire with a beautiful beach sunset as the backdrop.

I realized that this Photography duo were imparting all their skills secrets and tips to all workshop attendees. I watched and listened as they poured themselves out to encourage the attendees who worked diligently to hone their craft. I felt alive watching the entourage of photographers move about adjusting lenses and flashes clicking shot after shot always staying close to Bob for Instruction. He never seemed “Untouchable” ever willing to look at each individual camera screen assess the pictures even maneuvering camera setting for several attendees. The concept of doing what you do not merely to do it well but also for the purpose of equipping imparting and inspiring others rang so true in my own journey that when I returned home from the rehearsal and workshop session I had to jump on the web and read everything I could get my hands on about the Davis duo.

I went to bed that night inspired: the ability and passion to teach your skills and impart vision and passion to others is such a gift…or a calling?  As believers we are all called to reproduce and eventually replace ourselves.  What are you doing to bring that about?

Please enjoy a sampling of our reception music from that night or – if you like – a lo-fi cap of the whole wedding!


Saint Lewis reception music… from Shannon Lewis on Vimeo.
Click here to WATCH THE WEDDING!

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Celebrate Your Life!

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With Thanksgiving on the Horizon: CELEBRATE YOUR LIFE

“With Thanksgiving on the Horizon” will be a mini-blog series extending from Nov. 17th through 27th reviewing my many adventures leading up to Turkey-day as I simply write from my heart.  Hope you’ll come along with me for the journey…

Earlier last month I marked another year. We call these said markings “birthdays”.

In years past I have had some… how should I put it… let’s say I’ve had some HIGH “expectations” on my birthday!  You can fill in the blanks assuming that this little lady fell into some“ holes” of unmet expectations in years past.

This year the revelation hit me: this is my day! My day to thank God for my life. After all He created me – I am His masterpiece. The realization that I am responsible for my life choices therefore happiness and love are a choice. It all hit me like a ton of bricks.

As this truth seeped into my thinker as brine fabricates a turkey (had to throw in some seasonal lingo) I awoke with a plan. I WILL NOT HAVE A BIRTHDAY! After all  how can anyone expect your close friends and family to all commemorate your worth in one day?? It’s ridiculous. Thus an idea was birthed: BIRTHDAY WEEK! One simply constructs an “ agenda” for the week with something special each day. It’s a win- win for all parties; the siblings aunts uncles and college roommates who miss “ the special day have grace since it is Birthday week and there are plenty of opportunities to jump right in and celebrate!

My week started with a date to Bonefish with my hubby followed homemade cake by mom.  The next night was sushi with the girls.  Next   pumpkin carving Ice-cream Sundays & Icees from Target.

…and The GRAND FINALE: one of my favorite past times of life in good ‘ole GLYNN COUNTY. The annual rival game Brunswick High versus Glynn Academy. I’m not really a football person nor are we a football family but what I am is a People person popcorn eater music lover (halftime show rocked) and a screamer! We took the two little fellas who had never seen such festivities. Kenimer channeled the energy of the crowd to the point of eruption – the energizer bunny comes to mind!

Kenimer at the BHS/GA game from Shannon Lewis on Vimeo.

To conclude let me encourage each and every person to begin this must-have tradition!  Celebrate your life and while you’re at it MAKE A WEEK OF IT!

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Halloween in Marblehead (1949)

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Who/What /Where:
 

A song written by Don Oja Dunaway singer-songwriter who is an institution at The Milltop Tavern in St. Augustine Florida .

Why:  Visiting The Milltop to hear Don became a family tradition years ago – a tradition continued by my husband and I whenever we are near St. Augustine. 

 

 

For as far back as I can remember my extended family has rented a beach house every year. Since we were already privileged to reside coastally we made our appearance a day trip. Whether coming or going we always managed to squeeze in a trip to The Milltop. 

 I will never forget Daddy holding my hand while walking up the weathered stairs. I remember drinking cold coke out of a beer mug and listening to stories sung as naturally as the breeze blowing across the open deck. My dad grinned and made musician talk with Don. He always liked the raw rootsy unique tunes that Don sang.  

I usually requested a song called “Strawberry Rhubarb Pie” and “Halloween in Marblehead (1949)” . Don’s epic stories were regularly heard playing throughout the old green station wagon on our way back to Brunswick. Daddy would always pick up a tape to listen to on the way home. I remember the signature guitar slaps and precise finger-style playing as I drifted in and out of sleep only disturbed by fresh sunburn.


Years later while talking music with my boyfriend (who is now my husband) I told him about Don… of the fond memories… and that daddy had many tapes of his music but no C.D’s. Shannon in his thoughtfulness called Don out-of-the-blue and requested a c.d. so Don burned all of his songs onto three discs and sent them to Shannon.  Shannon in-turn gave them to me for my birthday that year.  A little over a year later in July 2005 we celebrated our one year anniversary at a Bed-and-Breakfast in St. Augustine during which Shannon played a set opening for Don at the Milltop! This was a special one year anniversary as I was seven months pregnant.

 

So recently on a roadtrip when I stumbled across his song “Halloween in Marbelhead (1949)” memories flooded in.  I realized what a gift (both a gift to have and a gift to give) it is to tell stories through song.


In light of the recent passing of October 31st I am sharing one of my personal favorites with a cherished memory of my daddy and I walking up creaking old steps faint with smells of spilt beer and the nearby ocean’s salty breeze: a special time filled with the magic of a little girl spending special time with her daddy listening to beautiful songs of life-lived mistakes made and with a back-drop of God’s hand holding it all together.


Ladies and gents… If you are ever in Historic Saint Augustine make a trip to the Milltop to hear Don!  




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