Friday Fotos @ Fort Worth Stockyards

My mother and grandmother arrived at our house yesterday evening from Kentucky (14 hour drive) with a truck load of canned goods and a giant, huge, massive, very large cooler filled with frozen cut-off sweet corn, bacon, crowder peas, pork sausage and a host of other goodies.

Husband and I are set for the winter, our pantry is fully stocked and we’re ready to rock!

Whenever my mom is in town, she always enjoys spending some time in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Since this is Neenie’s first trip to Texas, we took her for a visit there too. It has been a beautiful day, perfect for watching the Fort Worth Herd walk down Exchange Avenue and sight-seeing through the Historic Stockyards of Fort Worth. Plus, you can’t go to the Stockyards without having a meal at Cattleman’s Steakhouse (yum!).

I meant to take a photo of Mom and Neenie today, but I royally failed on that task. I didn’t even think about it until AFTER we returned home. Oops. I’ll snap one later. Promise.

Anyway, back to the Stockyards. Check out these photos:

As we waited for the Fort Worth Herd to make their entrance onto Exchange Avenue, this motorcyclist made about three trips around the crowds that were gathering and I couldn’t help but laugh everytime he passed. Amongst the trucks and trailors and men and women on horseback, this dude wanted to showcase his own version of “horsepower” too ….. I thought it was funny. If he had had room on his bike for my bee-hind, I would have asked for a ride. But, I doubt my teeny-tiny-hiney would’ve fit on that rear bumper. Just sayin’.

After the Herd had passed our spot on the sidewalk, Mom, Neenie, and I made our way to Cattleman’s Steakhouse for lunch. We were walking along when Neenie screamed in delight, “Nicole! You have to take a picture of this road sign!” So I did.

Row-day-oh Drive in California has nothing on Roe-dee-oh Plaza in the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Yee Haw Y’all!

Weekly Photo Challenge – POSSIBILITY

Happy Friday, Y’all!!!

Before we get to the photo challenge, I want to remind everybody about the current GIVEAWAY here at 27 & Counting. Miss Shirley over at Shirley Vaughn Photography is providing a copy of her photography booklet to one lucky blog reader. To enter, simply click HERE. The giveaway ends tomorrow (Oct 15) at 10pm. Be sure to read her informative post too in a new series called Shirley Says.

Now to the Weekly Photo Challenge ……..

POSSIBILITY …. where does the staircase lead? What’s waiting on the other side? Do the steps represent a journey’s beginning or end? There’s so many possibilities!!!!

Don’t forget to enter the Photography Giveaway and please, have a great weekend!

Not-So-Wordless Wednesday ~ dreadful drought

I realize it’s Wednesday and I’m supposed to keep quiet for “Wordless Wednesday” but this is my blog and I’m changin’ the rules.

In case you live under a rock and haven’t seen or heard of the drought in Texas, let me show you our yard. Here it is, in all its dreadful, dead, and depressing glory:

Wow, that’s one ugly picture. This won’t be winning any photography contest anytime soon. I didn’t bother trying to “fix” this scene in Photoshop, what’s the point? It is what it is. Not only is our yard doo-doo brown because of the drought, but the “cloud” or haze you see is dust from a natural gas rig behind our house. The not-so-pleasant company decided to remove a 30-foot-tall barrier wall when we specifically requested that it remain in place. Now, when tanker trucks and large pieces of equipment arrive at the site, and a north or northeast wind is blowing, all the white gravel dust is blown onto our property.

For the record: we purchased this property BEFORE the rig and all of its “baggage” arrived. If we had known about it, well, nevermind. Long story.

Back to our doo-doo brown yard.

This picture illustrates the harsh, dangerous, and deadly reality in Texas right now. We’ve been very fortunate in the area we live. Unfortunately, almost four million – FOUR MILLION – acres of land and 2,500 homes and businesses have burned in wildfires across the State of Texas in 2011. 

On a much, MUCH lighter note ….. notice the bright green patch of grass?

Yeah, that’s a water leak. If it were up to me, I’d leave it alone. It’s nice to see a little green in one’s doo-doo brown world!

My most intelligent and honorable Husband confirmed our suspicions when he dug around the grass and found a leaky section of PVC water pipe. We know it’s a very small leak because our water bill has not increased, but a leak is a leak and should be fixed.

I offered to assist Husband in this endeavor by showcasing my incredible trench-digging abilities developed in Haiti. He wasn’t as enthusiastic or impressed as my Haitian co-workers. In fact, Husband responded with an eye roll, “yeah, whatever,” and a heavy sigh. If it wasn’t four-thousand-degrees outside, I’d start digging while he was at work.

Alright, carry on about your Wednesday.

Peace, love, and pray for rain,

Happy Grandparents Day!!!

This Sunday, September 11 is Grandparents’ Day (celebrated on the second Sunday in September). I realize this honorary post is a bit premature, but I have big plans for a 9/11 tribute and I want to give my lovely grandmothers the recognition they deserve.

So, let me introduce you to Nana and Neenie. These women are the beez-kneez. They are all that … and then some. They are charming and delightful, sinfully sweet, and oh-so-gracious and kind. They are hard-workin’, straight-shootin’ Southern Belles from the Bluegrass fields of Kentucky. One is even named after the Queen!

 

Nicole with Nana & Neenie on her wedding day ~ March 31, 2007

 

On the left wearing the gaw-geous aqua blue vee-neck tailored jacket is Rose, but she prefers to be called Nana. And, on the right, adorning a beee-u-tee-ful string of freshwater pearls and purple-embroidered suit is the one and only Queenie, otherwise known as Neenie. Nana and Neenie are the BEST grandmothers a granddaughter could ever want.

In order to satisfy all disclosures, I am the ONLY granddaughter belonging to these wonderful and witty women! Yep, I am a lucky girl. If you think I’m spoiled, you’re right. But just a little bit. I don’t want to damage my delicate ego.

There’s so much I could say about each of these ladies, but I’ll share a funny story about each of them:

 

When I was a very young girl, Neenie and Papaw (my father’s parents) lived on the family farm outside the city limits of Sebree, Kentucky. Neenie had lots of shoes, drawers full of makeup, and a particular box of jewelry that I loved to peruse and adorm my sweet self to the point of bedazzlement. As if I weren’t sparkly enough!

Neenie had a particular diamond ring that she wore on her left finger beside her wedding band. Now, it wasn’t just a ring, it was a DIAMOND ring. I made those letters big ‘cuz the stone is BIG. Miss Priss (that would be me) decided she’d take The Ring home with her. So, without a word, when Mom picked me up at the farm, she took me and The Ring with her.

The next day, Mom dropped me off at Lollipop Campus, a daycare and preschool center. I took The Ring with me. I showed it off to all my friends and decided The Ring was worthy of being shared with my friend, Aimee. So, Aimee took it home with her that afternoon. Later that evening, my mother received a phone call from Aimee’s mother about a particular piece of jewelry seemingly out of place for a four-year-old to be wearing.

“Charlotte, are you missing any jewelry? Aimee has a beautiful ring that she says Nicole gave to her at school today.”

“Nope, not mine!” my mother replied. And a few minutes later the conversation ended.

Less than 10 minutes pass when the phone rings again. It’s Neenie and she has a calm, but concerned tone and is looking for a misplaced piece of jewelry.

“Charlotte, I went to put my jewelry on today and I can’t find a couple of pieces, including my diamond ring. I know Nicole was playing with them yesterday, did she by any chance bring them home?”

OH-MY-DEAR-GAWD-SWEET-BABY-JESUS

Fast forward about an hour and The Ring was promptly picked up from Aimee’s house and returned to Neenie without damage or harm.

As it goes in family heirlooms, my Father currently has possession of The Ring ~ only he removed the stone from its original setting to create a beautiful pendant necklace. One of these days ~ when I am mature enough to keep precious belongings in my own possession ~ I hope my father entrusts me enough to pass along this treasure. That’s the plan anyway … I’ll let you know if it works in my favor!

 

People, this is a true story … you can’t make this stuff up! It’s only by the grace of God that I’m alive to tell this story, and Aimee’s honest mother. I was a young soul at the time, but I was a-singin’ the Hallejuah chorus that night when The Ring was returned to Neenie!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Not many stories can top the one above, but Nana and I share a bond like none other. I don’t just consider her my grandmother, she’s the Matriarch and the sparkle to our family gatherings. Earlier this year, for her 80th birthday, I sent her a card with “80 Things I Love About My Nana.” Inside were lots of tid-bits and tiny treasures, specific memories, and memorable moments of the times we’ve shared. They don’t mean diddly-squat to anyone else, but to Nana and I they mean the world. I’ll share a few from her card …. which she had framed and showcases in the home she shares with my Aunt Georgia!

• Nana says “bread-n-butter” when walking around something … and I don’t know why!
• Nana loves my husband
• Nana drinks Bourbon
• Nana is a Christian role model of love and acceptance
• Nana let me use her Chevron credit card
• Nana took me to Disney World and the beach for the first time
• Nana likes fine dining … and passed this trait on to me!
• When making chicken noodle soup for my uncle, instead of adding a few drops of yellow food coloring, Nana used green ~ but it still tasted good
• Nana calls me Princess
• … and she says my “toots” smell like roses

 

So, there you have it. A small tribute to two wonderful and witty women who have blessed me beyond measure and I love them more than words can describe. Fortunately, I get to see both of them later this month.

 

I love you Nana!

 

I love you Neenie!

 

Peace, love, and grandparents,

 

 

 

 

Please leave me a comment … I’d love to hear about your grandparents too!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Balanced Sleeping Bird

The Museum of Living Art (MOLA) opened at the Fort Worth Zoo in March last year and I went the week before spring break to dodge the crowds and to, frankly, have a peaceful day alone with the zoo animals. The museum itself is gorgeous, I highly recommend it. Of all the photographs I took that day ~ with only a point-and-shoot at the time ~ I was most impressed with this little guy. I stood for a long time just watching him sleep …. balanced on one leg …. with his head tucked into his feathers.

 

MOLA at Fort Worth Zoo

 

Peace, love, and balancing bird,

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t forget to enter the current GIVEAWAY : click here to enter!

Stained Glass Hearts by Patsy Clairmont

Four years ago, I was introduced to a petite spit-fire with spikey hair and lots of sass at a Women of Faith conference in Dallas, Texas. Since that weekend, I have grown to love Patsy Clairmont, and her laugh-out-loud personality, even more!

Photo courtesy of http://www.PatsyClairmont.com

In her latest publication, Stained Glass Hearts, Clairmont invites readers on a journey to acknowledge one’s brokenness while allowing God to create a beautifully-crafted stained-glass heart worthy of any museum, cathedral, or Heaven itself. In this book, readers are reminded of their fraility, tenderness, and need for connection ~ from both other humans and The Divine.

Like any journey, we encounter road block along the way but, these inconveniences are part of the beautification process God uses to create his masterpiece. After all, stained-glass is nothing more than tiny pieces of glass (i.e. heartache, disappointment, anger, doubt, regret) arranged in a unique pattern, glued together with molten lead (relationships), and supported by a sturdy frame (God).

Photo courtesy of Thomas Nelson Publishers

Readers ~ young and old ~ will find themselves highlighting or underlining quotes, Scriptures, and sassy lines of text. And, in true Patsy-fashion, you will laugh out loud at the author’s quick-wit humor and outbursts of oh-my-gosh-did-she-really-just-say-that?!

While I read Stained Glass Hearts in just a couple of hours, it is a book I will revisit again and again. I will revisit this book to go deeper into Scripture, explore websites, listen music, read poetry and literature, and even visit national and international landmarks. At the end of each chapter, Clairmont includes a section called “The Art Gallery” where she recommends readers go deeper into Scripter, explore websites, listen to specific songs, read poetry and literature, and even visit national and international landmarks on this soul-searching, heart-warming journey of faith. No doubt, this book is that gate to an interactive adventure that will redeem, restore, and reclaim your heart and rekindle relationship with the Master Artist and Creator of all.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Peace, love, and beautiful hearts,

Tuesday Truths … and a GIVEAWAY!!!

Happy Day-After-Labor-Day Day …. did you enjoy your weekend?

I successfully accomplished absolutely nothing. Zilch. Zero. Nothing. Nada.

Yesterday was Monday. Tomorrow’s Wednesday. That means today is Tuesday … it’s time for another weekly dose of Tuesday Truths!

Truth #1:

I like to cook. I like to eat. I like to write. And I really enjoy using my fancy-schmancy camera. What should I be when I grow up?

 

Truth #2: 

I’m addicted to reality-TV. My favorites include: Housewives of …, Top Chef, Food Network’s Chopped, The Amazing Race, Bethenny’s Getting Married, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, The Voice, and Wipeout. I’m convinced that I could put REAL in reality TV, if a network were to extend an invitation. Game shows, life shows, cooking shows, fashion shows, auction shows, it doesn’t matter ~ I love them all!

 

Truth #3:

I’m pleaing the fifth to being a booger-picker in my younger years.

 Dammit, who took this photo?!?!

 

Giveaway Surprise!

Leave a comment with your Tuesday Truths and contact info (name and email address) for a chance to win a SURPRISE gift from me.

Contest ends Thursday at noon.

One winner will be selected using Random.org and contacted Friday.

 

GOOD LUCK!

 

Peace, love, and delete embarassing photos,

It’s a tough life…

 

Say hello to our house guest, Sabbath.

She’s been here since Thursday morning when her mother, and my best friend, Kimberly, dropped her off for the weekend. Within five minutes, Sabbath had confirmed the placement of her litter box and food bowls, located a few dust bunnies in the entryway (totally my fault) and comfortably perched herself atop the couch, ottoman, or the window sill.

 

Sabbath might have used one of her nine lives early this morning when she was sitting on the window sill and fell off. Fortunately, she landed on the ottoman. I found her later under our bed and she stayed there about an hour.

I’ve gotten my camera out a couple of times and she either gives me an evil one-eyed glare or physcially moves so her butt is pointed toward the lens. She obviously doesn’t want to be disturbed.

 

Evil Glare!

In the feline world, this has to be the Hilton!

 

What a tough life!

 

 

Sabbath decided she’d try out the comfort of the Persian rug … I guess she approved.

Note to self: vacuum ASAP!

 

(whispering to not disturb the Queen)

 

Happy Saturday, Y’all

 

Peace, love, and kitty kats,

 

 

 

 

p.s. I’ll be glad to accept applications for future pet-sitting jobs … although Blue is seriously irritated with these small, more compact four-legged beings invading his space. He just doesn’t understand why he doesn’t qualify as Snuggle Material. Poor guy.

Empress Smart-as-a-Whip!!!!!!

Say what?!

That was my nickname at tonight’s “Cocktails & Create” held at The Art Barn Studio!

This place is fantastic and tons of fun. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be Picasso Jr. to create custom, colorful, and creative keepsakes. Tonight was the third time I painted a piece of pottery at The Art Barn. I’m enjoying it more ~ and building my confidence! ~ with each visit.

 

Photo courtesy of TheArtBarnStudio.com

Hilary, the owner, and her staff (Lindsey, Adriene, and Katie) make sure each visitor has an enjoyable experience. They offer great suggestions and helpful techniques for a variety of projects, including paint-your-own pottery, barn art, mosiacs, and even wearable art (clothing and jewelry). They also have silver jewelry-making and their adding canvas projects to their “menu” of options. There is a wide array of items to suit your fancy!

The Art Barn Studio has also recently expanded its facility. There is lots of room for birthday parties, bridal showers, art classes, and school field trips. This place has it all, you really got to visit this place and get your ART on!!!!!!

 

Photo courtesy of TheArtBarnStudio.com

Once a month, The Art Barn hosts a ladies night called Cocktails & Create. I’ve been saying for months that I wanted to participate, but something always came up or I was out of town on event night. Well, I ran out of excuses or prior engagements (or both!) because tonight I had the privilege and honor to be with four lovely (and very artistic!) ladies from church. We had a blast creating our masterpieces.

 

Lil’ Dulce painted an owl, her school’s mascot! Her nickname was Princess Loud Mouth ~ hmmm!!!!

 

Mama Debra painted an inspirational plate for her classroom, she wrote “Believe” in the center. Her nickname for the evening was Queen Sings-in-the-Shower!!!!!

 

 

Jenny made a glass tile mosiac on a peace sign. Her nickname for the evening was Princess Shopaholic!

 

I must’ve drank too much sweet tea because I decided that painting a large platter with an intricate monogram and border within a limited time frame was a good idea. Perhaps my nickname should have been Table Idiot!!!!!!!

 

I’m still a-paintin’!!!!!!!

 

Four HOURS later………my pottery creation is complete!

I’m really pleased with the platter and I’m excited to see the final product. One must wait at least a week for their painted pottery to be “fired” in a kiln…..afterwards though, it’s all pretty and shiny and glossy. It’s gaw-geous dawlin’!!!!!!!

 

 

Mama Dulce showed off her uber-artistic abilities by painting this beautiful floral motif on a large round plate. This woman is talented!

 

She’s also lucky….as she won a doorprize. You would’ve thought she had won the lottery, but it was a miniature disco ball. YEAH BABY!!!!!!

Good times tonight, I can’t wait to see all of our finished products for a big reveal post. Stay tuned!

 

In the meantime, only 24 HOURS REMAIN until the “big kahuna” Celebration Giveaway ends. If you have not entered, you must visit this POST and add a comment with your name and email address. There are lots of great prizes included in this collection, you don’t want to miss out!!!!!!

 

Peace, love, and pottery,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

World Peace…..one piece at a time

Attention dieters and calorie-counters, you will be offended by this recipe. Pants with elastic waistbands are highly recommended.

I’m convinced this chicken fried steak with gravy would bring peace to the world. If the crunchy, battered tenderized steak didn’t encourage people to be nice to each other, the thick and creamy gravy would surely change their attitudes. It changed my Husband’s.

 

You know those little crunchy bits you get when you fry something? Well, I took a big handful and added them to the cream gravy. Yeah, I’m livin’ on the edge. Mmmmm mmmmm gooooooooood.

Sorry, I was having a personal moment with myself.

Moving on!

Back to Husband’s change in attitude tonight…

Husband’s been irritated and frustrated all day while trying to find tires to fit one of the trailers parked behind our house. Currently, there are three ~ a horse trailer, a bumper-pull trailor, and a gooseneck trailor. He blew two tires last weekend coming home from an auction and it’s been tougher-than-nails to find two additional tires that match the new ones. He began this “scavenger hunt” EARLY this morning. Seven hours later, plus several trips to multiple retail locations bearing the same name, he found the tires.

Praise the Lord, the tires will be here Monday.

All was fine-and-dandy in Husbandville until I heard growling words. I peaked my head outside and quickly ducked back in. Minutes later, Husband appeared to share his bad news.

While re-attaching a new tire to the trailer, he stripped the thread on a nut and bent a bolt. That’s not a good thing. In fact, it’s going to require ANOTHER trip to an auto or hardware store for a new nut and bolt.

I know what you’re thinking – - ”Wow, this girl really knows what she’s talking about!” Keep telling yourself that. I won’t stop you.

Anyway……..I tell you all of this because as soon as Mister Frustrated entered the kitchen and smelled battered meat fryin’ in the iron skillet, his attitude quickly changed and he was quite pleasant. He even poured a glass of sweet tea for me. Bless his heart. 

World Peace Chicken Fried Steak

Start with a couple of pounds of tenderized steak cut into large pieces. I used two large steaks and cut into 12 pieces. Husband and I enjoy leftovers, but you can adjust the quantities to suit your needs.

In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk, and seasonings. I use a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another bowl, combine add a good amount of Bisquick (or plain flour) and a healthy dose of more seasonings. In an assembly-line fashion, dredge the meat into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and return for another coating of flour.

Heat a large iron skillet over medium heat and pour in enough oil to completely cover the bottom.

When the oil is hot, add 2-3 pieces of steak, depending on their size. Don’t crowd the pan, this meat deserves respect and you’ll appreciate the crunchiness.

Cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip. The steaks are done when golden brown.

Served with mashed/smashed/smooshed/baked/fried/whatever-you-like potatoes and gravy, this fried steak will promote peace in the world…….one piece at a time.

Oh, and would you believe this recipe is completely, totally, unequivalocally, 100-percent dairy-free. That means, no milk, no butter, no cream, no nothing from a cow. Well, except the meat, of course. I might have an allergy to cow’s milk, but I’ll still eat the cow!

Have you entered my current giveaway? If not, click HERE and add a comment with your name and email address. If 100 or more comments are received, I’m increasing the Target gift card amount to $100.00. Contest ends Sunday at midnight. Good luck!

Peace, love, and fried steak,