July 4, Waterfront Blues Fest - serendipitous bubbles and shadows

As I watched this young girl blowing bubbles from my shaded bench, I smiled, remembering fun times blowing bubbles with neighborhood girls on sunny summer days back home in Jackson, Mississippi. We were five elementary-school-aged girls whose houses made the corners of a right triangle, mine at the 90-degree corner. Certainly none of us wore lipstick while blowing bubbles, nor did we paint our fingernails periwinkle. She's very pretty, a young girl of the 21st century, complete with a brown scarf decorated with silver charms, tied around her hips. I imagine the vibrant colors decorating her left arm are the product of a lady I noticed sitting at her face-painting station over the four days of the festival. I wonder if the paint itched in the bright sun. Or if she ended up with a design in her tan.

Do you see the two circles to the right, one on her shoulder, one on her forearm? They are bubble shadows. Honest. No where in the other photos that I took of her do those circles appear. And you can see, if you look closely, a bubble there beside her right cheek which has made the shadow on her shoulder. I've looked and looked and cannot locate the other bubble. I wonder if it burst just as I snapped the photo?
 



No bubble shadows in the very next photo. I am thrilled with the serendipitous capture of those two shadows in the first photo in today's post. And I have to ask if anyone thinks that her fingernails are in the French manicure manner, complete with the periwinkle-colored polish? And do you love how her sunglasses are color-coordinated with her T-shirt and the umbrella?

Waterfront Blues Festival, July 4,2013, downtown Portland at Tom McCall Waterfront Park

I've only had time to upload 45 pictures--a very late night after a long day of music, music, music, people-watching, fireworks, and the best fried chicken I've tasted since October, 2009, at The Dinner Bell in McComb, Mississippi! Here you see Lisa Mann and Her Really Good Band. I've seen them at the Blue Diamond, too. Fabulous, all-around fabulous. A bunch of talent packed into that woman. Now, I've got to get this posted and head out for today's music! Bye! Oh, I'll be at the Blue Diamond Saturday night for "Ladies Sing the Blues - Women of the Blues Festival." Can't wait--I'll have to leave the waterfront early--who cares! I might leave early tonight to the Blue Diamond's "Guitar Slingers of the Blues Festival." After an hour-long wait for a cab last night, being able to walk home after the music, all of 600 feet, sounds mighty fine!

Framed for Christmas, No. 3

Here we've got the lower part of mine and Mama's Christmas tree in a photo that I took on December 11, 2007. After the multitude of needles which fell all over the apartment from our cut fir tree in 2006, we opted for this aluminum one and enjoyed it very much. Hope you like the photo. Do you see the ornament outline of Mississippi? I am especially happy that it's in the photo because that's where I was born, 65 years ago yesterday. Yes, my birthday was 12/12/12. Cool.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I don't get out to celebrate as such, but I will be wearing green today when I attend the Round 3 NCAA Basketball game at the Rose Garden Arena.


No doubt there will be gobs of people, all sorts of folks in fact, celebrating here at Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub in downtown Portland. Here's the link to info about their Annual St. Patrick’s Irish Festival, March 15-18, 2012.


I did celebrate in March, 2005, when I got to march in the Mal's St. Paddy's Day Parade in Jackson, Mississippi. I was what is known as a Sweet Potato Queen Wannabe Wannabe. That's me in vintage SPQ green sequins and pink satin, plus the requisite long, curly red wig, cat's-eye-rhinestone sunglasses and the tiara. I think the ladies with me were from somewhere in Missouri--exactly where escapes me. Oh, and I should say that Boss Queen Jill Conner Browne spells pink p-a-n-k, just for fun. The SPQ now participate in what's known as the Zippity Doo Dah Parade. Both parades raise money for the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children at the University of Mississippi Medical Center which is located in Jackson.

Click on the link that is her name to read my 2004 interview with Jill, published in the Jackson Free Press.

P. S. Believe it or not, in the mid to late '70s Mama and Jill worked together at the Sears credit department in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. I discovered that glorious fact in 2005 when I reviewed Jill's non-fiction book “The Sweet Potato Queens’ Wedding Planner/Divorce Guide" for the Jackson Free Press. Once I read the name of the person to whom Jill had dedicated the book and verified immediately with Mama that, yes, when she was at Sears she had worked with a tall young woman named Jill, back when Lamont was a little bitty boy, I called Jill right up on the phone. She and Mama reminisced for a while about the good ol' days--so cool!

Vacation, Day 7, 10/27/2009, Part 5

First, you have to understand something about Milton. The man can cook! So inside the trailer we've got all sorts of stuff to cook with, to cook on, and to cook. Let's see what came out of there!



You'll get to see this little beauty in action later on.


OK, you also need to know that I don't cook out, grill, or smoke food. I eat out. That's it. (Of course, I cook at home, in the kitchen, then I eat in.) So I cannot remember for sure what this is, but I believe it's a smoker, and maybe it could be a grill, depending where and what you put in it to create the heat. (If I weren't in a time zone that often means Milton and Kay are already asleep when I need to ask them a question, I'd call one of them right up and find out for sure.)


Out comes the ladder.


Good thing curiosity didn't take out the doggie 'cause Tinkerbell's some kind of curious, standing at the backdoor, lookin' in to see what's coming out next.


She's a blur, just to the right of the golf cart 'cause she's seen Milton take a seat and put the key in so that he can start it and drive it down the ramp. Also to the right of the golf cart, you can see boxes of bottled water, a yellow plastic jug that I think holds cooking oil for that Cajun Fryer, either Kay or Ian's golf clubs, a white plastic table folded in half, a whole bunch of extension cord, and no telling what else.


A second later, and she's in one of her all-time favorite spots, with her beloved Milton talking to her. See the blue baskets behind them? That's the something free from the Fred’s Store in McComb, Mississippi.. Later on you'll see them in action.


Looks like Tinkerbell's concerned about the golf cart's descent, with Milton at the wheel.


The golf cart's on the ground. Tinkerbell's the picture of innocence. Looks like she's thinking, "Me, a side-seat driver? Nah."


Time for an exercise break for Tinkerbell and Ian!

Vacation, Day 7, 10/27/2009, Part 2

I have heard that standard poodles are way smart. These two certainly look it, perched as they are in the driver's seat. Their people must have been buying gas for the motor home. I can't remember for sure--I just know I couldn't resist taking the photo.


There is no telling, absolutely no telling, what Mama's saying here. She's a hoot, so I'll wager it was funny!

Kay, Mama, Milton, Aunt Baker.

As we made our way towards Alabama, I decided to take photos here and there as I noticed something or other that grabbed my attention. Here you go--some won't need much explanation, some might, some will. I took these photos from the truck, through the windows, so I've decided to boost the color on each of them.

Almost to the Alabama, Mississippi line.


Just over the line. Who'd ever guess there'd be another way to spell Utah?


They make Mercedes Benz just off I 20, between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa.


Kudzu, the bane of the South. Here are some nicknames I found for it on Wikipedia: "foot-a-night vine," "mile-a-minute vine," and "the vine that ate the South" (of the United States).

Vacation, Day 7, 10/27/2009, Part 1

The day has dawned! The day I join Milton and Kay again, along with their grandson Ian, for our trip to Talladega. So here we have photos of goings on at Aunt Baker and Uncle JL's before we got in her car for the ride to meet them at the Pelahatchie exit on I-20 East.

On the left, Raphael. On the right, Squirt, the turtle who joined the family when "Finding Nemo" had come out. See the Squirt toy in Raphael's box? That's where I got the name for him.


Ginger in her favorite spot on the back porch. My Daddy made that seat, and two more like it, from VW bucket seats attached to plastic milk crates.


Isn't their home lovely?


On the way out of town, we passed Puckett's hamburger joint--it wasn't open that early in the day.


Pretty countryside, from Aunt Baker's car.


My lunch, while we waited for their arrival in the parking lot of the truck stop.


Here they are! Kay's truck pulls the "toy hauler." You will not believe what is inside that we will eventually unload outside, then move a day later!

Vacation, Day 6, 10/26/2009, Part 2

On this particular Monday Mama and I planned to head for Puckett, to visit Aunt Baker and Uncle JL. After that good lunch and spending some time with those good friends, I stopped to take a few photos on the way south.

My absolute, all-time favorite independent bookstore in the whole, entire world is Lemuria Books upstairs in Banner Hall on I-55 North in Jackson. If you've been to Lemuria, you'll realize that I have not overdone the hyperbole.

I vividly remember my first time inside those shelf-lined walls that you can see through the doors and windows. At first content to merely stand in awe of their numbers, I slowly toured each nook and cranny, thinking, "Oh, my. look at all of these books I could get my hands on!"

Here, in fact, is a close-up of the hand holding an open book, the massive sculpture above the upstairs main door.

If you're looking for a specific book, be sure to contact Lemuria by phone or go click on the link I provided--at that link be sure to take a look at About and the FAQ for some great insight into the store, the staff, and the man behind it all, John. Back to your search for a particular book, the hey'll try really hard to find it for you and then will ship it to you, beautifully wrapped in brown paper. For me, it's a totally special way to get a desired book.

This is not a giant igloo. It's Jerry’s Catfish House on Highway 49 South near Florence, Mississippi. We didn't get to stop this time, but in the past we've enjoyed ourselves there.


Also near Florence, the white fences of The Piney Woods School.


We're getting close to Aunt Baker's and Uncle JL's!

Vacation, Day 5, 10/25/2009, Part 3

Artist Richard McKey has his studio just north of Fondren Place on North State Street. I love this giant Obama head! Ever since he opened it, you never knew what you might see when you went by--always something outta sight creative and beyond wonderful!

From the Jackson Free Press, about artist McKey:
Richard McKey, by Janine Jankovitz, September 2, 2009.
Richard McKey, 55, didn't know he was destined to be an artist. Born in Starkville, McKey moved to Jackson in the second grade. On a path similar to Van Gogh's, McKey first studied pre-ministry at Belhaven College. Halfway through school he decided to pursue his own business and began a career as a cabinet-maker. Eventually, he created his own construction company and built homes.

In his 30s, McKey returned to Belhaven College to study art history and art theory. Off campus, McKey studied under professor Bob Pennebaker in Pennebaker's private studio. "He was a huge influence on me, he taught me how to draw," McKey says. About 10 years later, McKey closed his construction business to focus on becoming a full-time artist.

McKey opened his studio six years ago on State Street. Today it is easily recognized by the mammoth-sized Obama head that sits to the left of the building. "Obama" was constructed right before the 2008 presidential election. McKey enjoys the attention the stuffed head receives, especially when people take pictures besides it.

The artist also opened a new gallery on Duling Street. It is important to him to be involved with the growing arts district in Fondren. Every inch of the gallery proudly displays artwork by McKey and other local artists.

McKey's excitement is contagious. He laughs often, remarking how much he loves what he is doing. As he walks around his new space, McKey points out the 14-foot ceilings. "I love the light in this room," he says.

The space is filled with ink and watercolor, portraits of cats and horses, abstract faces and sculptures of men made from dollar bills. "Whenever I walk out on to the street, there's some artists yelling, 'Let's do this together.' It pumps me up, it's fun," he says.

McKey finds inspiration for his work in other pictures. "My wife is always on me because I tear out the pictures (from her magazines)," he says. What he creates in his studio varies, depending on his mood. "Some days I'll go in my studio, and I'll just have a strong desire to do abstracts. If I try to do something else that day, it doesn't work."

All together, McKey has about 50 pieces of commissioned art in commercial buildings on Highland Colony Parkway. His work can be seen all over Jackson, such as his two painted figures that greet pedestrians in downtown Fondren and in Basil's downtown. Today he is focusing most of his time on the gallery, "I am really excited about meeting other artists. ... It's going to be fun to pull some of this talent out (from Jackson)," he says.

Here's one of the "...two painted figures that greet pedestrians in downtown Fondren..."


The other painted figure.


The building the two figures call home, Fondren Corner.


Other close-ups of what is in the studio's front yard--at least this is what was in it the day I took these photos.

Vacation, Day 5, 10/25/2009, Part 2

Across Duling from Fondren Place--Tangle Hair, a beauty salon, and Dream Beads, "Make It, Wear It, Love It!"


Next to Dream Beads, Fondren Art Gallery, with a Grand Opening sign--see more about the gallery's owner, Richard McKey tomorrow. On the corner, well actually from thos two windows to the right of the door and then around the corner, is the Orange Peel, a truly fun and fabulous used, consignment, and vintage store. I used to go there before we moved to Portland.


The front of the Orange Peel, facing North State Street.


Just south of the Orange Peel stands Walker's Drive In. Talk about a great place to eat a fantastic supper! Walker's is it because chef Derek Emerson makes it so!


The Pix Theater which I knew as the Capri. I have fond memories of seeing "Irma La Douce" and "Tom Jones" at the Capri. I couldn't believe movies so up front about the subject of sex were playing in Jackson, Mississippi, the heart of the Bible Belt. I loved both of them!

Found on the World Wide Web:Pix/Capri Theare is a former movie theatre in Jackson, Mississippi. Built in 1939 as the Pix Theatre, on the historic US Highway 51, known as North State Street in Jackson. While many Jackson movie theatres were going strong through the 1940s and into the 1950s, the Pix had winded down and ceased operations by 1957.

By 1965, however, the theatre was sold to Cinema Guild Inc and had reopened as the Capri Theatre. The Capri was highly successful and had a longer run than its predecessor, the Pix. The Capri, feeling the effects of the onslaught of the multiplex theatres, had switched to second run/bargain films by the late 1970s. By the early 1980s, viewed by many as a tool to survive the Capri had become a porn theatre showcasing X rated films. By 1985, the Capri was closed, although daily ads in the Clarion Ledger Newspaper had appeared two months after closing.

By 2005, after twenty years of sitting vacant, the Capri was used once again. It had reopened for live music, indie films and theatre performances. Various groups had surfaced trying to raise money for restoration, but that has never came to fruition.

By October 2008, Jackson lawyer and developer David Watkins announced plans to develop mixed use development behind the Capri Theatre and announced his intentions to restore the Capri as a music venue, specifically blues and jazz.

Vacation, Day 5, 10/25/2009, Part 1

Now that's what I call an eye-catchin' billboard! It's for Ro'Chez Restaurant, located in Ridgeland, a small city north of Jackson, Mississippi. I didn't get to go there, but I love this vintage car--a '50's Ford, I think. My brother H says they've not been there to eat yet, but some friends of theirs have and said it was good.

I saw it on my way to lunch at Pan Asia, another Ridgeland. I met three of my librarian buddies--Nancey, Sherry and Cheryl--and enjoyed good food and fine company. We four, along with our other librarian buddy Anne, successfully endured the National Board Certification process for school librarians several years ago. I know without a doubt that I couldn't have done it without their help and support; the process reminded me of being in labor for six months! We ended up what the National Board people call Accomplished Library Media Specialists--I shortened it to ALMS, as a sort of pun because we also ended up getting a substantial yearly stipend from the state of Mississippi--get it, alms for the poor, we teachers in Mississippi being among the lowest paid in the country.

After spending several super hours with the ALMS gals, I drove around Jackson a bit, looking here and there to see what had changed, what had stayed the same. I stopped now and then to take photos to share with you.

I found this about the neighborhood I photographed first. Fondren District is a culture center in Jackson and is one of Jackson's most sought after districts, featuring an array of antiques stores, galleries, and lots of entertainment options in the numerous pubs and restaurants.

First, in Fondren, I took a few photos of the refurbished Duling School, part of Fondren Place, which includes various businesses including The Auditorium, a restaurant that my brother and his wife have enjoyed a time or two. Here's some info I found about Duling School: The Lorena Duling School in Jackson was built in 1927 and served as the neighborhood elementary school for the developing community of Fondren. The school was designed by architect Claude H. Lindsley in the popular Tudor Revival style. Lindsley would go on to design Jackson's Central High School and Standard Life Building. The Duling School was used for educational purposes until 2005, at which time it was vacated.


This new building takes up what used to be a vacant lot just west of the school building. You can tell that I took this shot through the windshield--see the blue band along the top of the photo?


The same building, the back corner from the parking lot behind the building. Found this on the Internet, "The building will house BankPlus and have other office spaces, some retailers, and a restaurant. There are also loft apartments and rooftop decks." I imagine some of those are in this particular part of the development. In fact, I see a sign about the ATM near the dark brick section.

Vacation, Day 4, 10/24/2009, Part 7

Back to Jackson, Mississippi, where Mama and I met up with around a dozen friends for supper at Sal & Mookie's New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint.

The entrance and a covered dining area.


The other side of the entrance, another covered dining area.


Good friends for many years, Jean, Libby and Jamae--I couldn't believe I was sitting there with them in Jackson--fantastic!


In fact I got so excited and shaky and happy at seeing everyone, at being able to hug them, that I forgot to take very many photos, and the ones that I did take are blurry. Like this one of good friend Nina, a new mother to Roscoe who is in the next photo.


He's gorgeous!


Roscoe and his Aunt Joy, enjoying a smile together.


My burger, the Statue of Liberty, 1/2 pound of all-American ground chuck, charbroiled and served with sliced tomato, pickles, lettuce and red onion, hold the pickles for mine. It was huge, tasty, too! I could only eat half of it, along with some of the fries. That's the rest of my burger in the bag in the photo below, the spoon to the dessert I couldn't pass up is resting on the paper bag.


My dessert, Mookie's Brownie a la Mode, made with the best, ever-lovin' brownie in the universe, along with vanilla ice cream, topped with hot fudge, nuts, whipped cream and a cherry. You see, I know about that brownie because I used to get it all the time when I lived in Jackson, at Sal & Mookie's sister eatery, Broad Street Baking Company. Allow me one more aside, please--Lamont and Leland got their start in these two eateries' elder sister, so to speak, Bravo! Italian Restaurant and Bar, Lamont as a bus boy, Leland as a dishwasher. I am eternally thankful for the chance to learn that my sons got from Jeff Good and Dan Blumenthal.